The Town of Hanna council wrote off about $1,800 in uncollectible debt at their Dec. 9 regular meeting.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Matthew Norburn presented councillors with a report detailing a number of delinquent accounts that staff were unable to collect. Norburn noted in his account $1,609.97 was related to unpaid utility accounts and three accounts receivable debts totalling $185 were also on the books.

As far as the utility accounts, Norburn’s report noted there was more than one reason for their uncollectibility. “Administration has followed procedures to obtain the funds but determined that they are uncollectible due to bankruptcy, the sale of properties or relocation to another community,” stated the staff report.

Norburn’s recommendation was for councillors to pass a resolution writing off all these debts because staff felt the chances of collecting them was zero.

For clarity, staff confirmed during the meeting the first 11 uncollectible accounts were utility bills, usually the final bill sent to a customer. Staff also pointed out the option to transfer an unpaid utility bill to a property tax roll isn’t always there because not everyone who owes utility money also owns property.

Mayor Danny Povaschuk observed that he understood that the amounts in question may not justify the time and expense of pursuit past a certain point. The unpaid utility bills ranged from a low of $40.84 to a high of $219.56.

Staff responded they usually pursue the debt for a year before it’s deemed uncollectible.

During discussion councillors also asked for clarity on the three separate, non-utility debts. Staff described them as miscellaneous invoices that were sent out but never paid. The three bills totalled $40, $20 and $125, respectively.

Councillors unanimously approved the CAO’s recommendation and wrote off the uncollectible debts in question.

Readers should note municipalities typically deal with uncollectible debt at this time of year as part of their preparations for the upcoming budget.