By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Advance
A pair of adjoining properties that were unsuccessfully put up for tax auction on Feb. 2nd are having a tax forfeiture instrument placed onto the deed.
The bare properties located in the hamlet of Throne, which are on tax roll #34140000, had a reserve bid of $600 during the sale, with no takers.
Placing the tax forfeiture instrument on the deed of the land is the first step the County needs to take to bring the deed into the County of Paintearth’s name.
“Because it is not sold, the County has three options,” said County of Paintearth Director of Corporate Services Lana Roth.
The County of Paintearth’s first option is placing the tax forfeiture on the property, which would allow the municipality to rent, licence, lease, or otherwise dispose of the property at as close to market value as possible.
If the County would be unable to dispose of the property, 15 years from the date of the auction the County would be able request a change of title to the County’s name.
The second option available to the County of Paintearth council would be to deposit money equal to the reserve bid into a separate account, essentially buying property.
Doing so would cover all tax arrears and expenses. If possible, the owner of the property must be notified. In doing so, the property would be the County’s to do with as it wished.
Due to the small sum of $150 owed in taxes on the property, the final option available to the County is to do nothing, although doing nothing would just increase the timelines down the road when the County did wish to pursue actions.
After some discussion, council moved to register the tax-forfeiture instrument, beginning the process for the property to be reverted back to the County.
Per the Municipal Government Act, when the property is fully under the County’s control, they will be required to sell it at market value.