If you owe the City of Yorkton property taxes which are in arrears, it could cost you more in fees if payments are not forthcoming in a timely fashion.
At the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday Council was unanimous in authorizing Administration to adopt a new Tax Enforcement Policy.
The reason for the new policy and fees is to maximize the effective use of time and resources, as well as recover costs for the work being performed for taxpayers, explained Ashley Stradeski, Director of Finance, with the City.
The new policy sets flat costs attached to tax liens as the property moves through the process, for example a flat administrative fee of $250 added to the six-month notice.
Another $250 would be added when a property goes to the Provincial Mediation Board.
"The intent of this policy is twofold. First, to recoup administrative costs associated with this process. We are one of the last municipalities to implement the proposed fees. As well, this may possibly provide a deterrent to property owners once they realize there are additional fees. While this may sound harsh, we do have a few properties that are in and out of the lien stage every two years. No sooner do we remove the lien and they are right back in arrears, and the whole process begins again," explained Stradeski's report.
"The other positive outcome which we predict is that, when informed of additional fees, property owners will be incentivized to pay and this should increase our rate of collection."
