THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY GF PORT COQUITLAM

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Finance Committee ‘E September 9, 198]

J. Maitland
City Treasurer

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RE: Property Taxes

In cur normal course of business we provide tax information to the
legal office doing the conveyancing on a property sale.

. Last November we provided incorrect information and said there
were no taxes owing on a ‘property that in fact had $1,466.18 owing on it.
rps error came to light when the mortgage company for the new owner paid

e 1981 taxes as well as the prior years and then advis sed the new owner
that his mortgage payment would be increas ing approximately $150.00 per
month because of property taxes. This is creating a considerable problem
for the new owner.

Options

1. Section 447 (3) of the Municipal Act says we are not legally liable
for errors on statements such as these, so we could tell the new
owner that it is unfortunately his problem. I have not done this
nor do I feel it to be morally right to do this

We could try to recover the monies from the previous owner, we
have done this, unfortunately the previous owner has financial
problems and is unable to make payment at this time.

3. The City could apply to Victoria to make an ex gratia payment
to the new owner and in effect pick up the costs involved.

‘Recommendation

I recommend that the Committee forward the following resolution
to Council for their consideration:

"RE:
Lot 145 NW % Section 6 Township 40 Plan 46259
Roll #923055-003

Whereas the City erred in providing tax information regarding the
above mentioned property, and

Whereas the City's error is causing, undue hardship on the new owner

of the property, the Council requests permission of the Department of
Municipal Affairs to make an ex gratia payment in the amount of $1,406.18
to the new owner of the above mentioned property."

JIM/kfr