Paradise sets process for tax sales, if needed

By Mark Squibb

Paradise council has adopted an arrears sales by-law that will enable the Town to sell off properties once owners have fallen behind on their bills.

Councillor Glen Carew, who noted such a by-law is mandated by the Towns and Local Service District Act, quoted section 146 of the Act – “Where a real property tax, a water and sewer fee or a local improvement fee is in arrears for 18 months, the town clerk shall serve a notice of arrears on the owner, mortgagee, judgment creditor, lienholder or other person having a charge or encumbrance upon or against the real property to which the real property taxes, water and sewer fees or local improvement fees apply.”

Once the notice is served, the property is liable to be sold unless payment is made within 90 days from the date of the notice.

“The arrears sales by-law provides the process for conducting the arrears sales,” said Carew. “Once section 146 has been satisfied, council shall, by resolution, direct that the real property be sold by arrears sale. This bylaw outlines all steps of the process, including timeframes, appeal process, public auction procedure, and the use of proceeds from the sale in accordance with the Towns and Local Service Districts Act.”

Carew said the by-law will be another tool in the Town’s toolbox to recoup lost tax revenue, although it’s one he hopes it doesn’t have to resort to using.

Council adopted the new by-law unanimously.