Satellite tax-payment site may be considered again next year

NEWS/ CITY HALL — A controversial expenditure on a tax-payment counter at the McArthur Island Sports and Events Centre may be repeated next year.

A recommendation will go to City council Tuesday to consider including $45,000 in next year’s budget to continue the payment processing site that was set up this year out of worry that construction work on the streets in front of City Hall would discourage residents trying to pay their annual property taxes.

The move was criticized by some as a waste of money, and council itself debated whether it was worthwhile, but a report to council says 30 per cent of the 8,709 residents who paid their taxes in person directly to the City instead of online or at financial institutions did so at the temporary North Shore payment centre, “despite the best marketing efforts.”

While the cost this year was just over $49,000, some of the items that had to be purchased for the satellite tax office could be used again, lowering the cost next time, according to finance director Sally Edwards.

“The majority of those residents provided positive feedback on the location and the excellent customer service. Many residents thanked council for providing this alternate site and requested that it be considered in future years,” the report says.

However, the report also notes there was a 28 per cent increase in the number of people paying their taxes online.

The City is also looking at e-billing tax notices. “Overall, based on the increase in online payments and the secondary payment site, City Hall was quieter at tax time this year.”

The report doesn’t say the City should definitely use the McArthur Island location again, only that the $45,000 be put on the budget list “should council wish to explore” doing it again.