CHATNEWSTODAY file

By Brian Konrad

Companies in tax arrears in Alberta

Oil and gas companies owe $2.4 million in unpaid taxes to Cypress County

Feb 19, 2021 | 11:16 AM

DUNMORE, AB — Alberta’s rural communities say they are owed $245 million in unpaid property taxes from energy companies in the province.

Cypress County chief administrative officer Tarolyn Aaserud says since 2018, the county has been unable to collect $2.4 million in outstanding oil and gas tax revenue.

Aaserud says that’s not as large as other municipalities, due in part to the low tax rate in the county.

In a statement to CHAT News, the county CAO says they are willing to work with struggling companies on solutions, but they cannot move forward constructively when some oil and gas companies are willing to shift their tax commitments to other property owners.

“Cypress County manages over 2,000 kilometres of roads and 198 bridges. Without consistent payment of property taxes, we may have no choice but to reduce service levels or close some roads and bridges” says the statement.

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The statement concludes by stating “Cypress County looks forward to our continued positive relationships and open dialogue with various industries including oil and gas.”