Tax arrears in Turner Valley are on par this year with other years.

That according to the tax arrears report presented to Council at their meeting this week.

Mayor Barry Crane says it's been fairly consistent over the last five years.

"So it's usually the same households or individuals or circumstances remain in those arrears. And it's a constant give and take to try and get people up to speed to a level of zero."

Crane says many residents aren't taking advantage of the "TIPP's" (Tax Installment Payment) program and are struggling to come up with thousands of dollars for a lump sum payment, which can get them into trouble with penalties.

he says "TIPP's" makes it much easier to manage.

"Spreading it out over the 12 months, like any other payment you might have in a household, really lessens the stress on you and your family. And it gives you an ability to budget it solidly."

Crane says once you go down the rabbit hole of having to pay penalties, it's tough to dig out.

"When it gets into that arrears level, that's where you're starting to compound interest against your debt. And no one likes to give away money for nothing. But essentially once you reach that point, you know it was curable. But now you're starting to deal with symptoms."

The Town is still looking at over $336,058.49 in outstanding taxes to come in, but have levied $22,536.36 in penalties so far for overdue accounts.

 

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