Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jun 14/00) - Those who have not paid property taxes in the past two years have less than one month to do something about it before their properties are auctioned off.

The city released a document publishing the properties that are two or more years in tax arrears during its Priorities, Policies and Budget Committee meeting on Monday.

Eight properties are scheduled to be auctioned off by the city's solicitors on June 27 at 9 a.m. in council chambers.

Those identified are Yellowknife Autobody (1983) Ltd., the estate of Antoine Liske, Territorial Funeral Homes Ltd., four downtown properties owned by Mike Walcer, and one property owned by Michael Byrne.

City treasurer Glen Jarbeau says all property owners identified in the document were warned many times about the consequences of not paying their taxes. Jarbeau says each individual has their own reasons for not paying up.

"It varies from person to person. Some people disagree, some people can't afford it, some people think they shouldn't have to pay so maybe they've ignored it. Every case is really different," says Jarbeau.

The city will now be issuing an advertising package that includes pictures and descriptions of the properties set to hit the auction block, but the property owners still have time to pay up.

"Anytime before the auction they can come in and go into a payment plan or pay off their taxes, but right now we answer questions about the properties for people who might be wanting to buy them," says Jarbeau.

The property owners also have up to 30 days after the auction is held to pay their taxes.

Robert Jensen, co-owner of Territorial Funeral Homes Ltd., says he is taking measures to ensure his business remains open.

"We are negotiating to get the taxes looked after before the auction happens.

"The property won't be going up for auction. We're quite sure that we have financing in place to look after it," says Jensen.

Mike Walcer, the owner of four downtown properties in arrears for as long as 12 years, declined to comment on the matter.

The three other owners set to lose their properties could not be reached for comment by deadline.