.jpg)
“A lot of people don’t pay more than $3,000 in taxes per year. That tells you a story that people like to have everything free. But it doesn’t work that way,” he declared.
Armogan said what may have compounded the issue is that a lot of property owners may have removed from the county either to other areas locally, or may have migrated, leaving their respective places unattended.
He said: “In many cases, the vegetation overgrowth has taken over yards and created a very unsightly situation in many NDC areas. It is also a haven for persons with criminal intent.”
However, despite the financial setback, Armogan said, this year the laws may have to be revised, as the Ministers of Local Government and Legal Affairs are well apprised of the situation.
“Laws might have to be changed, because persons are living abroad and not taking care of their properties here. This is something they cannot do in places like the United States, where the respective State will do the cleaning and then implement a fine on the property owner. However, with the little resources that the NDCs have, they cannot afford to do that, because there is no guarantee the money will be repaid,” he said.
The Regional Chairman acknowledged that NDCs can no longer carry out parete executions, as was done in the past, because of the current law.
He admitted, though, that his administration has worked with the respective bodies to enhance tax collection.
“But if the people are not there to pay, we cannot collect any money.” Additionally, payment plans were instituted for residents who owe large sums. House-to-house visitations were done, but the situation remains the same,” he said.
Meanwhile, apart from receiving revenue through rates and taxes, the sixteen NDCs receive a $3M subvention from Central Government, which makes allowance for capital works in their respective areas.
During 2012, the sum of $48M was received and $47.9M had been expended on capital projects.
