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Town compensates staff for computer glitch shortfall

Nov 21, 2018 | 3:00 PM

The Town of Battleford council approved reimbursing several staff who were underpaid in 2016 when the town changed to the Vadim computer software system.

The total amount was $14,632 for the seven employees affected.

Chief Administrative Officer John Enns-Wind said during Monday’s meeting the shortfall came to his attention in 2017, however he wanted to wait until after the audited financial statement was completed so the town’s finance director could confirm the underpayment. As a result the individuals impacted will be compensated this year. 

Mayor Ames Leslie said the underpayment was essentially the last hiccup from the switch to the Vadim system.

Two per cent increase

Out-of-scope town staff, with the exception of the CAO, have been approved for a two per cent per year salary increase for 2018 retroactive, and for 2019, similar to CUPE members. The positions impacted will receive an increase of $5,111 for 2018, and $11,904 for 2019. 

Dealing with arrears

In an effort to reduce the amount of arrears, the town Finance Director David Gillan said admin staff look at different ways to help work with people who can’t pay their taxes, to see if it can negotiate an agreement so property owners can pay the amount owing through an arranged payment plan as an option. 

“Most people don’t realize you can make a deal; you can talk,” Gillan said. “It’s very important not to let legislation be your guide. A lot of people just don’t know there is a possibility there.”   

Leslie said following council some people do find it difficult to pay their taxes.

“There is a contingent of people who can’t afford to pay their taxes, get behind or pay a small percentage every month to stay afloat,” he said. He added there are also some habitual people who are non-payers year-after-year, unfortunately.  

 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

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