The County of Paintearth council wrote off a substantial unpaid property tax debt owed by an anonymous company that staff said was virtually uncollectible. The decision was made at the July 15 regular meeting of council.

Councillors read a memo from Finance Manager Linda Bauer recommending an unpaid property tax bill of $19,341.44 be written off. The debt was connected to seven related tax rolls including #70003900, 70003920, 70003930, 70004430, 70008510, 70008540 and 70008610.

“In Oct., 2024 the County of Paintearth acquired the services of a lawyer to help recover unpaid property taxes and penalties from the ratepayer,” stated Bauer’s memo to council. “Although a demand letter was delivered by registered mail, it was unsuccessful.”

“The lawyer has indicated that while investigating the corporation’s background, it was found that this company had been struck from the corporate registry indicating this is a defunct company that is no longer operational.”

“It is quite doubtful that taking additional action would result in any money being collected for these unpaid taxes and penalties. The limitation period for this file is approaching and taking the next step of filing a statement of claim would only increase legal costs with little or no results in return.”

The staff memo noted the unpaid property tax bill covered the years 2021 to 2024.

The staff recommendation was for council to approve writing off the aforementioned 2021 to 2024 outstanding tax amounts totalling $19,341.44 and provide instructions to the lawyer to close this file.

The Municipal Government Act (MGA) gives councillors the authority to write off tax bills, as well as waive all or part of a tax bill, including penalties.

The councillors unanimously agreed to follow the staff recommendation.