By Leah Murray

Woman’s property tax issues raising concerns about city accountability

Sep 22, 2017 | 6:21 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The City of Medicine Hat continues it’s refusal to fix an error that has a woman paying over $200 dollars more per month in property taxes than she should.

Mayoral candidate Scott Raible saying this is an issue with the city and it shows a lack of accountability and transparency.

“The city will not fix it and city council or city hall will not explain why they won’t fix it. For me it’s that lack of accountability I think is a real issue,” said Raible.

He is questioning whether city council is really working for the taxpayers and if the city is answering to council, or if it’s the other way around.

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“I think there’s been too many things happening behind closed doors,” he said. “Again, I think people are questioning what’s going on.”

Julie Tracey, the homeowner in question, said she feels like she has no where left to turn in the fight to get her assessment amended.

“City hall is not listening to me or being ethical or transparent with me,” she said. “My councillors, who are supposed to be advocating for the taxpayer and holding city hall accountable, will not speak with me.”

The Tracey’s home was valued approximately $104,000 higher than it acutally is, due to assumptions made by city assessors.

The City continues to refuse to make any changes to the assessment roll because Tracey missed the 60 day formal complaint deadline.

A former City assessor said there is no legislation preventing the city from making the change.

“Section 305 does not put a limitation as to when corrections to the roll can be done,” said Rick Belau.

The city also now says the incorrect evaluation is not a mistake because assessors followed protocol, even though assessors did an in home inspection proving the original assumed value was wrong.

Meanwhile Tracey said a family friend had changes made to his assessment this year, also after that complaint deadline past.

“Based on what he’s told me his circumstances are very very similar to mine and yet he’s received a correction to the roll.”

Tracey said she’s beyond frustrated with this situation and it’s taking an emotional toll on her and her family.

“I shouldn’t have to be fighting tooth and nail to be heard,” she pleaded.

CHAT News reached out to the Minister of Municipal Affairs on this matter. A spokesperson said they expect the city to make a decision that is fair to everyone.

“In general terms, after the 60-day complaint period has passed and a taxpayer thinks an error has occurred, municipalities are not required to correct the assessment. That said, we would expect a municipality to take all factors into consideration with a specific situation and make a decision that is fair to everyone involved.” read the statement from spokesperson Chris Bordeau.

The province also acknowledged it’s looking into complaints made by a former employee who claims the city may not be operating within the rules.

“The city has been cooperative as we look at a range of concerns raised by the former assessor that suggest the city was not operating within the bounds of the legislation. Our review right now is focused on discussing these concerns with the city to understand their perspective and practices. If we were to find something that warranted further action, a formal audit could be done.” said the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

We reached out to the Mayor for comment, but he declined.

The city refused to make anyone available for an on-camera interview.