M.D. council asks about outstanding property taxes in 2022

By Cole Parkinson
Vauxhall Advance
cparkinson@tabertimes.com

The Municipal District of Taber is seeing just over $24 million in outstanding property taxes at the end of May. With all of that money still hanging in the air, council had some questions about how long they can hold off on writing it off.

During council’s regular meeting held on June 28, administration was able to answer council questions around this topic and provide some ideas as to how to move forward.

“In your report, Bryan (Badura, director of Corporate Services), in the second paragraph, the total amount of property tax outstanding is $24,260,881. This includes the amount of $2.5 million that has been reserved for as uncollectible tax. So, at what point do we write that off so it’s not always hanging over your head?” asked Reeve Merrill Harris.

“What we’re waiting on is some of the bankruptcy proceedings with a couple of companies and the intention is before the end of the year to bring forward a recommendation to council to take those taxes off of our doubtful accounts and remove them completely from the tax roll,” replied Badura.

Council also asked about the collection process. With several oil and gas companies entering into bankruptcy, council had questions on how that process plays out.

“The bankruptcy proceedings on these outstanding tax accounts – where are we in the hierarchy of collection? As these proceedings go through?” asked Coun. Brian Hildebrand.

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