The Tax Enforcement Process involves a number of interrelated steps that ultimately protect the City’s financial interests, explained Jessica Hudy - Taxation Clerk, with the City at the regular meeting of Council Monday.
The initial step, advertising the list of land in arrears, not only protects the City of Yorkton’s interest; it also provides notice to all parties that have a current or future interest in those properties which are in an arrears situation, said Hudy.
Hudy said some efforts have already been made in terms of collecting the owed taxes.
“On July 16, a total of 184 letters were sent out to property owners notifying them of the potential steps the City of Yorkton will move forward with if the arrears were not paid in full by Aug 18, 2021,” she said.
As of Monday’s report taxes remain owing on 84 properties, 11 of them being commercial and 73 being residential.
As background Hudy reported on 2020 numbers too.
“In 2020, there were 215 letters sent and of that, 74 properties advertised in the newspaper, with 45 liens registered. Given the enforcement process has been moved up two months this year, we feel the low number of properties entering the first stage of enforcement reflect well on our administrative processes. Administration is of the opinion that the new fees reflected in Tax Enforcement Fees and Timelines Policy has already proven to be an effective deterrent,” she detailed.
If the arrears are not paid in full by November 8, 2021, a tax lien will be registered on the property.
