Responsibilities
The Finance Department is responsible for financial record keeping, reporting, and safekeeping of Municipal Assets, and investment of municipal funds. The Director of Corporate Services, with the assistance of three accounting Clerks perform all duties associated with property tax and utility notification and collection, accounts payable and receivable, grant administration, budget analysis reporting, Payroll and human resources, production of financial reports, and maintaining financial records. The Finance Department can be reached at the County Administration Office at 5303 – 50th Avenue, Lamont, or by telephone at 780-895-2233 or Toll Free 1-877-895-2233.
Property Taxes
Lamont County derives the majority of its revenue to operate on from property taxes. Property taxes are calculated based on a market value assessment that is established by an accredited Assessor. Assessment Questions can be directed to our Assessors: Compass Assessment Consultants Inc. at 1-800-251-9711 or 780-469-5552. The market value assessment is multiplied by a tax rate established by bylaw. There is a penalty added on all unpaid taxes after January 1st. There is also a penalty added to the current year’s taxes that remain unpaid as of July 1.
Avoiding Long Line-ups
Here are some options that will eliminate having to wait in line on tax due dates.
TIPP – Tax Installment Payment Plan
Lamont County is now offering taxpayers the ability to pay their property taxes in monthly installments by pre-authorized withdrawals from their bank account, rather than in one single payment.
Why Should You Use It?
- Easier budgeting because it breaks the annual tax payment into 12 monthly payments
- Convenient & reliable form of payment; no rushing to get to the office on due date
- No penalties on balances, provided payments are not missed
Saves on cost of postage and travel
How Does It Work?
- Payments start in January and are withdrawn from your bank account on the 15th of every month
- Each monthly payment for the first half of the year is equal to 1/12th of the tax levy from the previous year
- Then for the second half of the year your payment is re-calculated based on the current year’s tax levy, less the amount already paid
- Once you have signed up for the Payment Plan you are automatically enrolled each year
Who Can Use The TIPP Program?
All Taxpayers are eligible to participate in the Pre-Authorized Plan provided all property taxes, arrears and penalties are paid in full on or before December 31st of the previous year.
Postdated cheques
You can pay your taxes with a postdated cheque to the tax due date. This will allow County staff time to check your payment. Staff can notify you prior to the due date if there are any issues with your payment. The payment is not processed or deposited in the bank until the date of the cheque.
Payment drop box
There is a payment drop slot in the door located at the front entrance of the building. Place your cheque in an envelope and drop it in the slot. Your payments will be processed promptly each morning (Monday to Friday). (NO CASH PLEASE!)
Through Internet Banking or in Person at Most Financial Institutes
Please note that at this time only tax payments can be made in this manner. Please check with your financial institute for how payments can be made and if Lamont County has been set up in their system.