The City of Warman is taking tax enforcement measures on 18 properties that are in arrears.
Warman City Council voted at its regular meeting on Monday, November 22 to proceed to acquire title on properties that have previously-registered tax liens.
The properties owe a combined total of $50,476.80 in 2020 tax levy and arrears.
The November 22 motion approved by council means the properties in arrears are halfway along the process outlined in the provincial Tax Enforcement Act. The property owners were notified six months ago of the liens registered by the city.
Under the tax enforcement process, the property owners are now given six months notice before the city can make a final application to acquire title. Once the Provincial Mediation Board provides its consent, the city is obliged to issue a final notice to the property owner. Thirty days after issuing the final notice, the city can then request transfer of title.
During discussion at the November 22 meeting,, Warman City Councillor Richard Beck emphasized the city does not want to take title on the properties.
“We’re simply following all the steps in the tax collection process,” said Beck. “The goal is to ensure property taxes are paid in a timely manner.”
It’s a strategy that appears to be working.
Warman Finance Manager Amanda Rosenthal-Hiebert said both the number of properties and the amount of arrears owed is down from last year, reflecting a trend that began a few years ago.
She attributes the lower numbers to regular tax enforcement by the city.
“When it’s done on a regular basis, there’s less chance of arrears piling up,” said Rosenthal-Hiebert. “It’s to the benefit of both the property owners and the city to have taxes up to date.”
Rosenthal-Hiebert said the city will work with property owners in arrears to come up with payment plans aimed at bringing tax payments up to date within a two-year time frame. She added the city also encourages property owners in arrears to work with their financial institutions to come up with payment plans to cover tax owing.
“More residents and businesses are signing up for monthly tax payments through the city’s Tax Installment Payment Plan Service (TIPPS),” said Rosenthal-Hiebert. “TIPPS allows property owners to pay their property tax bill in 12 monthly installments based on the calendar year (January to December), making budgeting easier with no added fees or penalties.”
She noted that tax arrears must be cleared up before property owners can enroll in the TIPPS program.