By Stephanie Villella

Local woman receives good news from mayor about assessment

Jul 21, 2017 | 4:45 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Mayor Ted Clugston said council is going to look into an error the city made on a local woman’s property assessment.

Earlier this week, Julie Tracey opened her property assessment and found that she would have to pay an additional $205.69 every month in property taxes.

A city assessor assumed her basement and garage had been finished, which caused the value of her property to increase by $120,000.

However, those spaces have not been renovated.

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CHAT News took this story to Mayor Clugston, who said if an error was made, then the city will fix it.

“It could be a small amount of money, it could be a rather large amount of money, we will look after it,” Clugston said.

He committed to fix the issue if a mistake was made.

“I have a strong feeling that, from watching the video that perhaps some mistakes were made,” he said.

When CHAT News delivered the news to Tracey, she cried tears of joy.

 “People make mistakes, I’m okay with that, but it’s the accountability,” she said. “The fact that they’re taking accountability to that, that just means a lot to me.”

Clugston said the city has a duty to correct mistakes made by city staff members.

However, he encourages everyone to make sure they open and review their property assessments before the 60 day notice period ends.

“You don’t really question when it’s a small amount,” Clugston explained.  “When it’s a large amount you really should get in contact with the city and the assessment department and ask why.”

Nevertheless, Tracey said she is so thankful for the community’s support.

“That’s really restored my faith.  Honestly that’s huge.”