ATHABASCA – An Athabasca homeowner’s request to have a late fee waived off of their 2023 property taxes was denied by town councillors, despite the couple original invoice being marked as undeliverable.
In a Jan. 14 letter, Lauren and Gregg Frankson asked the town to waive a late payment fee for their 2024 property taxes despite not paying until the fall after the usual tax invoice was delayed.
“We feel as though the late fee of almost $500 should be no fault of ours and would greatly appreciate your consideration to have this fee waived,” wrote the couple.
“We paid promptly on receipt of the invoice in 2023, on time, promptly on receipt of the 2024 invoice, in October, and have set up pre-authorized payments for both taxes and utilities to prevent this from happening going forward.”
The family’s history of paying on time may have worked against them, with councillors pointing out that property taxes are paid at the same time every year.
“They basically chose to ignore the fact that the invoice hadn’t come,” said Coun. Dave Pacholok.
“Everyone knows their taxes are due July 1,” said Mayor Rob Balay.
Town CAO Rachel Ramey said the municipality sends out its tax notices in May, and then in October, properties that haven’t paid receive a courtesy notice reminding them of the outstanding balance. She wasn’t sure why the initial notice had been returned.
“(Homeowners) are responsible to know your taxes are due on a certain date and if you’re not going to pay for them, you’re probably going to pay a penalty,” said Balay.
The Town of Athabasca adds stacking penalties to late property taxes, starting with a four per cent increase after June 30. That amount rises to eight per cent after Sept. 30 — the penalty the Franksons were hit with — and 12 per cent after Dec. 30 of each year.
