YORKTON, Sask. — Yorkton city council has authorized administration to proceed with the second stage of tax enforcement on dozens of properties with outstanding tax arrears.
The resolution, approved at the Oct. 19 meeting, allows the city to move forward with enforcement proceedings on properties that have had tax liens registered for more than six months. Council also directed administration to refrain from advancing files where property owners are making reasonable efforts to pay outstanding taxes.
According to a report from the finance department, the affected properties had previously been included on the city's annual List of Lands in Arrears and were subject to tax liens earlier this year. Because the arrears remain unpaid after the required waiting period, the properties are now eligible for the next stage of enforcement under Saskatchewan's Tax Enforcement Act.
Mayor Aaron Kienle said the latest step is largely procedural and is intended to notify property owners that they are nearing the final stages of the tax enforcement process.
"Different steps that unpaid taxes go through," Kienle said following the meeting. "The current process that was talked about tonight is basically taking us to a point where these property owners will be communicated with. They've got a certain amount of time to make payment."
Kienle said the goal remains to encourage owners to bring their accounts up to date before further action becomes necessary.
"More than anything, it's a procedure that has to happen, and it gives us the ability to encourage the property owners to make these payments so that their properties stay with them," he said.
The second stage begins with the issuance of a six-month notice to property owners and other registered parties with an interest in the land, such as mortgage holders. The notice outlines how the municipality's claim can be challenged and how the property can be redeemed by paying arrears.
Following the six-month period, the city must seek consent from the Provincial Mediation Board before proceeding with a final application for title. If consent is granted, a final 30-day notice is issued before council is asked to approve an application for title transfer on any remaining unpaid properties.
Administration emphasized that the process follows strict legislative requirements designed to protect property owners' rights.
The report notes that, in many cases, the assessed value of the properties exceeds the amount of taxes owed, often prompting owners or financial institutions to settle the arrears before the municipality acquires title.
City officials also said property owners are encouraged to contact administration to discuss payment arrangements. The city may pause enforcement action when a reasonable repayment agreement is in place and payments are being maintained.
More than 60 properties were included in the authorization approved by council. Tax arrears on the listed properties range from several hundred dollars to more than $15,000, while current taxes owing on some parcels exceed $30,000.
Administration said there are no immediate financial implications associated with the six-month notice stage. Costs associated with the tax enforcement process are added to the tax rolls in accordance with provincial legislation and the city's tax enforcement policy.
The city relies on property tax revenue to fund municipal services, including protective services, road maintenance, parks, recreation and cultural programs. Officials noted that enforcing collection of unpaid taxes helps ensure those costs are distributed fairly among property owners.
