Chris Clegg
South Peace News
A High Prairie apartment building owner who is asking for a three-year tax break on his building to help make ends meet is not getting any help from the Town’s assessor.
Council agreed at its March 12 meeting to direct administration to confirm the numbers regarding the tax bill at Lawrence Apartments, owned by Cameron Munro, representing CTM Realty AB Inc. At the Feb. 25 meeting of council, Munro appeared to explain his financial plight at Lawrence Apartments. He added taxes have risen 43 per cent since the last assessment making it increasingly difficult to operate. The assessment resulted in a $10,000 annual increase in taxes, Munro said, but council later heard from CAO David Joy it was closer to $15,000.
Council heard at its March 25 meeting the numbers were correct. Joy told council the Town’s assessor confirmed the numbers.
Councillor James Waikle was not entirely convinced, however. He asked if the assessor specifically came to town to examine the building. Joy replied they were coming to town during the current week (March 25-28).
The answer did not satisfy Waikle, who said the assessor was “in a box with no windows” and did not examine the property first-hand.
Mayor Brian Panasiuk noted Munro had still not put in a formal request to forgive taxes or have the property reassessed.
Council later heard, however, Munro had “reached out” to the assessor.
Councillor Judy Stenhouse was concerned the matter was on council’s agenda the last three meetings. She was the only councillor who opposed a motion to accept the matter for information.
Earlier, Stenhouse wondered why Munro’s tax bill would rise so high when council approved a two per cent increase. His bill raised the question of an accurate tax assessment.
“You’re correct,” said Councillor John Dunn.
“The numbers are way off. Something needs to be checked out.”
It is the property owner’s responsibility however, to appear the assessment if he feels it is not accurate.
At the Feb. 25 meeting, Munro outlined other reasons for his difficulties.
“We do have a cap on our rents and no ability to raise (rent),” he added, due to regulated cap rents on the building’s mortgage conditions.
Therefore, the reason for the tax forgiveness request was simple.
“. . .be able to sustain affordability of this building.”
That, because the building’s net operating income has dropped below zero, threatening long-term viability.
Added repair costs (many windows, kitchens, bathtubs and sinks date back to 1973) add other costs.
Munro also told council he has spoken to other apartment owners in town (Green Acres and Aspen Court) who share similar concerns, specifically about ongoing crime. He cited examples including break-ins, and windows being smashed in vehicles and in the building.
Other criminal activity at the apartment included arson-related dumpster fires, vandalism (a bicycle being thrown through the front lobby window), keys were stolen and the breaker flipped casing the boiler to shut down and costly repairs.
If council forgives part or all of Munro’s request, other taxpayers in the town would have to make up the difference, Joy told an already aware council.