Councillors in the Village of Boyle unanimously approved a motion made by Coun. Shelby Kitely at their June 20 meeting to hold an auction September 5 at 10:30 a.m. to sell three properties that are currently listed on their March 2017 Tax Recovery Arrears List.
According to a report submitted by financial assistant Tina George, the three properties include one on 6626BF Block 3 Lot 27, which in which the owner currently owes $12,221.20 to the village, most of it being in utilities, taxes and penalties. The second property, located at Plan 6120KS Block 8 Lot 8, still owes $6,369.14, again with much of it being utilities, taxes and penalties.
"We may have set the auction already," Asheby said. "But that does not mean it's too late to pay. If anything, it gives them a chance to square up, and if they do so, the auction on those properties are cancelled."
But he added that the third property, located at Plan 6626BF Block 7 Lot 5, is expected to go to auction.
"There has been no payment on this vacant property since August 12, 2014," Asheby said. "Tina has tried repeatedly to get a hold of the owner, but her calls have never been returned, and she has tried two different phone numbers."
George's report said that reserve bids and conditions will have to be set before auction, but can be brought up at a later time. Section 418 of the 2018 Municipal Government Act states that any such auction must be advertised in one issue of the Alberta Gazette no less than 40 days and no more than 90 days before the stated date.
"We have had auctions like these before," Asheby said. "In one case, we sold one lot where a trailer occupying it was a safety hazard, and we ended up giving the surplus proceeds of the auction to the now-former owner. And he was actually pleased with the gesture, making it one of the few times were everybody was happy in this situation."
Village hires STEP Workers for the summer
The village has hired two temporary employees under the provincial government's Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP).
"Jonathan Archibald and Hunter Marshell both joined us for the program," he said. "As well, Colby Bechthold will also join us without the STEP funding. All three are good kids, and we are grateful to have them with us."
According to AlbertaCanada.com, the STEP program is a four to 16 week wage subsidy program that provides funding to eligible Alberta employers to hire high school or post-secondary students into summer jobs. Each position created through STEP provides them with the opportunity to build meaningful work experience, increase their skills and help prepare them for the future.
To be eligible, one must be 15 years old, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, lives in Alberta, will return to their high school or post-secondary institution no later than November 1, and must enrol in a program resulting in a certificate, diploma or degree.
More information can be found by checking out the Alberta Canada website.
