A County of Wetaskiwin property owner had her request to waive three years of overdue taxes turned down by council during their regular meeting Aug. 7.
County CAO Rod Hawken presented councilors with a request from Rosemarie Weibel to forgive three years of taxes.
“On July 3rd, 2018 a letter was received from Rosemarie Weibel requesting forgiveness of property taxes on her land located in Westerose, Plan 0422276, Block 3, Lot 4 (NE 9-46-28-W4M - TX Roll #2699.25),” stated Hawken in his memo to council.
“The process of Tax Forfeiture has been initiated by Tax Notification being applied to her property in 2018 with the potential of Public Auction in 2019 if the outstanding two year arrears are left unpaid,” stated Hawken.
“The total outstanding balance to date is $2,969.93 representing 2016, 2017 tax arrears and the 2018 tax levy.”
Weibel also had a concern about another parcel of land were she currently resides but is not the landowner.
“She also is requesting assistance with septic tank issues on a lot in Bearhills Lake described as Plan 365MC, Block 3, Lot 11 (NW 32-45-25-W4M - TX Roll #1406.57) where she currently resides, but is not the titled owner,’ stated Hawken.
“Lot 1 heavily treed and has trees growing close to the residence. In her letter, Mrs. Weibel alleges tree roots from the County Reserve which is adjacent to the south boundary of Lot 11, caused damage to the septic tank.
“In 2016 Mrs. Weibel also sent a note requesting the County to address the trees on the County reserve lot. At that time Mr. S. Majek, Director of Agricultural Services discussed his concerns with Mrs. Weibel that Lot 11 is heavily treed that may also cause roots to grow into the septic tank and it would be difficult to determine where the problem originates.”
The CAO said this was not the first time Weibel requested tax forgiveness. Hawken said council had a few options regarding Weibel’s request, although staff recommended denial.
He said councilors could forgive the taxes owing by Weibel per Section 347(1) of the MGA, including full cancellation as requested, cancel or refund all or part of a tax or deny request for tax cancellation. Alternatively, councilors could accept the letter from Weibel as information and move on with their meeting.
Reeve Kathy Rooyakkers clarified that multiple years of taxes were involved; Hawken said 2016, 2017 and this current year, 2018. Rooyakkers asked what the next move is if the taxes are unpaid, and Hawken said a tax recovery sale (the property is sold by the county, the tax arrears are taken out and other monies are forwarded to the former landowner).
A motion to deny Weibel’s request was passed by council’s vote. Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca