Town advances tax recovery on three Kindersley properties

By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice

KINDERSLEY—The Town of Kindersley has taken the next step in the tax enforcement process on three properties with significant outstanding tax arrears.

Council passed a resolution during its June 15 regular meeting authorizing administration to proceed with title acquisition under Saskatchewan's Tax Enforcement Act for three parcels that have moved through the required enforcement process.

Town of Kindersley council discusses tax enforcement on three properties during its June 15 regular meeting. Screenshot.

Chief Administrative Officer Marty Baroni told council that the 30-day final notices were deemed served on May 27 for Lot 3, Block 5, Plan G9, Extension 0, and Lots 4 and 5, Block 5, Plan G9, Extension 0.

"The 30-day period from the date the notice(s) was deemed served has expired," a staff report to council stated. "Council at this time may authorize administration to proceed with title acquisition. Once authorized by council, the town will request the registrar to issue the property title to the town. The property will move into tax title property and be placed for sale."

Baroni provided councillors with banking reports showing no payments had been received on the outstanding balances associated with the three properties.

According to the statements presented to council, the combined unpaid property taxes total nearly $400,000.

Baroni noted the municipality had fulfilled its obligation to provide the required 30-day notice and that the deadline had passed without payment being received.

While administration requested authority to proceed with title acquisition, Baroni said staff may delay publicly advertising the properties for sale.

He explained that another property with tax arrears is currently moving through the enforcement process and could come before council in July. If that property also advances to tax title status, administration would prefer to tender all four properties together.

"I'd prefer to do them as a large group," said Baroni.

Council was also advised that if the properties are sold through the tender process for more than the amount owed to the municipality, any remaining funds would be held in trust for the original property owner and could be claimed by them.

Councillors unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the CAO to proceed with title acquisition for Lot 3, Block 5, Plan G9, Extension No. 0, and Lots 4 and 5, Block 5, Plan G9, Extension No. 0.