Property taxes were due for landowners in Fort St John on July 2, and according to a report presented to the city council, 87.08 per cent of properties were paid for.
City staff’s report found there are no negative effects resulting from the outstanding property taxes – they noted residents who failed to pay on time currently face a 10 per cent penalty and daily interest will be tacked on if the bill is not settled by the end of this year.
Property owners with outstanding taxes can expect the city to mail a letter next month reminding them of the total amount due and of the additional sales tax which applies starting September 29.
In May, everyone who owns property in Fort St John should have received a notice from the city. City staff said 17 per cent of the notices were emailed, where residents can choose to opt-out of snail mail on the city’s website.
The annual bill is calculated based on the needs of the city, the Peace River Regional District, the provincial school tax, the local hospital, and B.C. Transit. Fort St John keeps 57 per cent of the taxed funds and disburses the remainder.
Residents can see their property taxes in action on snowy days, when workers are responsible for clearing and salting the roads, or in better weather, at the city-maintained parks and green spaces.
According to the city’s website, the outstanding 12.92 per cent of properties pending payment can be made through online banking or at City Hall, either in-person or by mailing cheque.
