Taxes have not been paid on 115 properties throughout Moose Jaw, which means city administration is taking the next step in the tax enforcement process by applying for the property titles.
This is an annual process initiated against property owners whose taxes remain unpaid or in arrears as of Jan. 1 of the year following the tax levy, explained Brian Acker, director of financial services, during city council’s March 25 meeting. This application for title relates to liens placed on properties whose owners failed to pay taxes in 2018.
The general process begins with an advertisement in the Moose Jaw Express listing all properties that have tax arrears greater than 50 per cent of the previous year’s tax levy. If the property taxes remain unpaid, tax liens are registered against the advertised properties. The municipality can pursue the property title if the arrears have not been paid after six months.
There are 115 properties in arrears this year, compared to 112 last year, Acker said. However, once all steps in the tax enforcement process are completed, the municipality usually takes title of only one or two properties.
The value of these 115 properties is $999,492.67. In comparison, the value of the 112 properties in arrears last year was roughly $660,000.
“An increase of 50 per cent in one year should be of concern,” said Coun. Brian Swanson. “And not only of concern, but it should be reflected in our management of finances.”
The amount of properties in arrears is reflective of a stagnant economy; however, the municipality is making changes to combat this economic downturn. City council is being aggressive in bringing jobs to Moose Jaw, said Mayor Fraser Tolmie.
City council then approved a recommendation to authorize city administration to take the next step in the tax enforcement process by pursuing the title of properties in arrears.
The next city council meeting is Monday, April 8.
