The Vacancy Rebate Program could slowly be on the way out in Perth County.
The program has been in place for over twenty years and allows a reduction in taxes for commercial and industrial property owners who have a tenant vacancy.
However, county staff say that the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation already considers the vacancies in property re-assessments so the program has become redundant and should be dropped.
An open house is taking place Wednesday night in the Council Chambers in Listowel from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where the public will hear more about the proposed change.
Perth County Manager of Finance Corey Bridges says the goal is to have businesses occupying those vacant places.
“You kind of want the properties full on the fact that you want the rent coming in or you want to be able generating income on those properties to cover the costs of servicing them.”
If you’re interested but can’t make it to the open house there is a online survey available on the counties website, the feedback will be gathered and provided to Perth County Council for a final decision.
