Richard Froese
South Peace News
Big Lakes County has cancelled the record of just over $58,000 of bad debt.
At its regular meeting Jan. 22, council approved two separate motions to write off a total of $58,128.04 in unncollect- able funds from 26 accounts.
Some of the accounts date back to 2018, says a report from Joe Zdeb, director of corporate services.
First, council passed a motion to write off debts of more than $500 in the amount of $55,264.73 for five accounts.
Debts of more than $500 include $30,246.22 that resulted when the tax sale didn’t cover the full balance owing $14,473.66 for a well licence where the account holder was contacted numerous times with no response, said Joe Zdeb, director of corporate services.
Others include $8,717.63 for a fire call in 2018 but the amount remains uncollectable, $1,104.16 for insurance for an account holder that no longer exists and $723.06 for insurance for an association that has dissolved, he noted.
“According to policy, the director of corporate services or chief administrative officer is authorized to write off individual accounts receivable amounts that are less than $500,” Zdeb says.
“Any accounts that are over $500 require council’s authorization.”
He noted administration has been proactive in attempting to collect the accounts receivable amounts.
“Extensive efforts have been made by administration to collect these amounts for number of years without success,” Zdeb told council.
“Administration would like to clean up its receivables listing and reduce the time spent continuing to contact these individuals for payment.”
Despite council taking action to write off the accounts, Zdeb noted that administration will still accept payment for the uncollectable amounts if the person and/or company comes forward.
Council passed a second motion to receive the list of uncollectable amounts under $500 that totals $2,863.31 for 21 accounts for information.
Amounts range from 59 cents, 60 cents, 82, cents $19 and $71.40 up to $233.10, $388.50, $485.40. the report stated.
The list indicates that nine accounts are for snow plowing, five accounts for home support, one for dog boarding fees and one for a cemetery plot.
Zdeb stated the amounts under $1 are insignificant to collect.