Six properties on tax auction block in Redcliff

By Tim Kalinowski
It appears local economic woes have taken a significant toll on some Redcliff residents.
Redcliff Town Council voted unanimously to hold a tax auction for six local homes and properties in arrears on more than three years of back taxes in the community at last Monday’s council meeting.
The auction date has been set for December 3, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. The lots are listed on the town’s website and the Sept. 28 council agenda with appraised values attached. These include four homes, (one a single family unit built in 2010), a detached garage and a service warehouse.
Notices will be sent to the current property owners giving them one final chance to pay their taxes prior to the auction date.
“It’s kind of sad,” said Coun. Chere Brown before to the vote to set the auction date at council. “I think that’s the most we have ever had all at once since I have been on council.”
“It’s definitely unfortunate to have them all come up at the same time,” added Mayor Ernie Reimer.
Coun. Jim Steinke asked if it was necessary for the owners to pay the full taxes all at once or if they can make other payment arrangements.
He was assured by Redcliff’s financial officer Jenny Tu the property owners could break things down and lock themselves into some sort of payment scheme if they approach town administrators prior to their final deadline before the auction date.