A positive downward trend at Windsor City Hall as tax arrears are on the decline.
Back in 2009-2010, city council decided to take a more proactive approach to collecting property taxes from property owners who had fallen behind. At that point, taxes arrears were estimated to reach over $50-million.
But thanks to a growing economy and steps taken by the city to try to work with property owners, owed taxes now amount to $31.2-million
"Part of the trend is our approach to tax collection, but also a change in the economy," says Deputy Treasurer Janice Guthrie. "People are able to find employment and are able to pay off any debt that they may have accumulated."
She points out recovered money collected through tax arrears is not new money.
"That money has already been, as part of the budget process, allocated to expenditures and now we are just collecting on that money."
Guthrie says the city can place a lien on a home, but she adds that is a worst case scenario.
Late payment charges with property taxes can amount to 15 per cent a year.