Pandemic Seen As Culprit For Increasing Tax Arrears

A major jump in the property tax arrears was chalked up to the COVID - 19 pandemic times we are going through but it was also a concern for a least one member of Council on Monday evening.

The year over year property tax arrears to March 31st, 2021 was $3,788,665 or a jump of $1,261,810 from March 31st, 2020.

This compares to a pre-pandemic increase of $79,222 from March 31, 2019 to March 31, 2020.

Growth in property tax arrears - source City of Moose Jaw

“This is really not surprising. We hope to move through it with payment plans,” finance director Brian Acker said when the issue was raised by Councillor Dawn Luhning.

“It is simply a case of the economic times it makes it more difficult for some businesses and residents…but if you notice most are on arrears payment plans,” Acker said.

“I know we are in a pandemic but there is not a lot going on around there,” Councillor Luhining said.