Fewer pay taxes on time

Photo: Darren Handschuh

Most Vernon residents paid their property taxes on time, but the number is down from last year.

City officials say 88 per cent of the total property taxes due came in by the July 4 deadline. Last year, 91 per cent of the taxes was in on time.

The number of people claiming homeowner grants in 2016 climbed to 11,169, up from 10,912 last year.

Payments received after the property tax deadline are subject to a 10 per cent penalty.

City staff are currently preparing to mail property tax arrears notices for any outstanding taxes, which will include the 10 per cent penalty charge.

Meanwhile, Coun. Juliette Cunningham is hoping to make things a bit easier for residents who arrive at city hall at tax time looking to transact other business.

“The lineups were long,” Cunningham told council this week, calling for the creation of an “express lane” for other business being conducted during tax time.

“We could still have a long line for taxes but an express lane for everything else,” she said, stating that people are leaving those tax payments to the last minute.

Staff are looking into the feasibility of an express line.