Doyle concerned about oversight on Grassey Lane

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bay Roberts is making some progress in collecting the $2 million in outstanding taxes that were listed on its books last month, but it’s not going fast enough, according to chief administrative officer Dave Tibbo.

Tibbo said the progress with the tax situation is disappointing. Despite the fact two notices have been sent to those with outstanding taxes, the Town is still owed over 1.5 million dollars.

“As I noted back several meetings ago, and Councillor (Perry) Bowering noted as well, it doesn’t seem fair for the people who pay their taxes on a regular basis that there’s so many people ow-ing $1.5 million who are not paying their taxes,” said Tibbo.

The CAO went on to describe a new collection strategy for council’s consideration. It includes water disconnections, the hiring of third-party bill collection agencies, court action, and sales of property to cover arrears. Tibbo asked council to make the motion to initiate the collection activity on outstanding tax accounts for 2025. The motion was made by Councillor Ross Petten and seconded by Councillor Perry Bowering.

Tibbo said 30-day notices of water shutoffs will be sent to those who still have outstanding taxes 10 days after the third outstanding notices are sent. Several councillors remarked such action was long overdue.

“We’re owed $1.5 million, we have no other choice,” said Councillor Frank Deering. “We’ve got to do what we’ve got to do.”

Councillor Silas Badcock said everyone has to pay bills on their homes and businesses, and tax bills are no different. “We’re more than willing to work with folks,” he added.

Mayor Geoffrey Seymour asked Tibbo to clarify how far back the outstanding taxes go.

Tibbo said some people have outstanding taxes going back as far as five or six years. And while the Town offers payment plans for those who need them, some people do not follow them. He recommended against offering payment plans to property owners who previously broke them.

“We want residents to know that the Town is prepared to work with anyone who’s got a tax issue,” said Seymour. “And if your issue is financial hardship or some other reason, then it’s only (a matter) to come in and sit down with staff and we can certainly work with you to address the issue.”

Seymour said it is the responsibility of every property owner in the community to pay their taxes in a timely fashion. Tax dollars are included in Town budgets, and thus a substantial amount of outstanding taxes affects the Town financially.

“We can only do budgets based on what’s projected as income,” Seymour explained, “and if people don’t pay their taxes, then that leaves us short the money. This money is used to pave roads, clear snow, provide fire protection, recreational services, and all these other things that make this such a great town to live in.”

Council voted unanimously in favour of initiating the collection activity.