‘Pay the back taxes,’ says SUMA president on Radisson drama

In Radisson, residents are fed up with their town council and are looking to the provincial government for help.

They cite financial issues and council infighting as their main concerns.

Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association President Gordon Barnhart believes provincial intervention might be a longshot.

“There is ultimately the power for the government to step in, but they would do that very, very reluctantly,” he said.

Barnhart told 650 CKOM’s John Gormley on Wednesday that Radisson’s town council has hired a new administrator and bill collectors to try to recover $400,000 in unpaid taxes.

“My advice to the people of Radisson is put this behind you and pay the back taxes and take some pride in your community,” he said.

Some residents have stopped paying taxes in protest, but it’s unclear if any of that is contributing to the $400,000 amount owing.

“They flush the toilet and have to appreciate that somehow that sewage is being treated,” he said. “By not paying your taxes, it’s really hurting your community.”

Barnhart said he has been aware of financial issues in Radisson for about a year, but there are no rules that would allow council to exclude the mayor as residents have claimed is happening.

-With files from the John Gormley Show