Spaniard’s Bay mayor hoping to avoid tax sale

By Mark Squibb

Spaniard’s Bay council is looking to collect nearly $25,000 in tax arrears owed by some residents, in the hope it won’t be forced to seize and sell properties to cover the outstanding balances.
At last month’s public meeting, Mayor Tom Brazil suggested council pass along the list of some 15 properties that are in arrears to the Town’s lawyer to get the ball moving on the process.
Town Manger Tony Ryan added he would like the motion to reflect that the collections process would proceed in accordance with sections 137 through 147 of the Municipalities Act.
Those sections outline how municipalities are to properly serve notice to property owners before auctioning their properties.
“In most cases the actual tax sale does not take place,” said Ryan. “It’s the end game of a collection process.”
Mayor Brazil indicated he hopes too it doesn’t have to go that far.
“Once the financial pressure is placed on the property owners, we’re hoping they’ll come in and settle their accounts, so we don’t have to take that final step,” he said.
The motion, which was moved by councillor Darlene Stamp and seconded by councillor Paul Ryan, passed unanimously.