DEMAND notices are currently being served on citizens, especially those in the business community, who have not paid their rates and taxes to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Those notified are persons and businesses who have not made use of the recently concluded amnesty, Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green informed yesterday.With this initial step being undertaken, the matters will eventually end up in courts. The amnesty began on September 1 and lasted until the end of November. Thus far, there has been no excuse from those businesses which have refused to pay their taxes, Chase-Green said.

“Although M&CC has been so considerate and flexible, some businesses just did not budge. These will of course be taken to court.”

However, those who went into the council and made an effort to pay, even if they could not complete their outstanding amounts, will be shown consideration, the Deputy Mayor said.

Currently, she said City Hall is in the process of examining special cases, such as those involving pensioners, to find out who can and cannot pay their outstanding taxes.

The entity managed to rake in more than $500M at the end of October, the original target of the municipality.
Because of the tremendous response that the council received, the amnesty was extended until November 30, where in excess of $40M were secured.

When it was announced earlier that an amnesty for defaulting taxpayers was being granted to afford them an opportunity to pay their rates and taxes interest-free, residential property owners were offered a 100 per cent amnesty on interest accrued, while commercial property owners were required to apply for a review by an amnesty panel, before securing between 50-75 per cent amnesty on the interest accrued.

All property owners were encouraged to take advantage of this deal and settle their accounts so that the City Council could obtain financing to pursue a number of plans currently in the pipeline.

Over the years, persons have been withholding payment of their rates and taxes, causing the M&CC to halt projects.

By Telesha Ramnarine