Six High River properties currently on the property tax arrears list, are set to be sold in a public auction on May 1.

High River's Chief Financial Officer, Kola Oladimeji, says these properties have not paid property taxes in two years or more.

"Every month we send out our statements to all property owners, whatever is outstanding in their accounts, every month they get a statement. So they have ample time, a minimum of two years. For instance, the ones we are selling now, those properties have not paid their taxes from 2015 downwards."

Oladimeji says, owners have until the last date of the public auction to pay the taxes owed.

He says, the Town of High River must take these steps according to the law.

"Of course, that was not done prior to now, simply because of what the town was passing through during the period of the flood, so the town relaxed that process. But, now that all the re-construction is back, we're re-visiting this just to make sure we are compliant with this law."

Oladimeji says, on February 12, Council will decide on the minimum bidding prices of the properties in a closed meeting.

He says, another batch of 13 properties will be up for public auction later this year, but there is no fixed date for the second auction at this time.

Anyone can bid on the properties except for the Mayor, Council, and town employees.

 

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