Tax collector ‘released’ in North Glengarry; O.P.P. notified amid tax probe

The North Glengarry Township office in Alexandria, Ont. on June 3, 2016. (Newswatch Group/Bill Kingston, File)

ALEXANDRIA – North Glengarry has parted ways with its tax collector while it deals with a mass of tax billing problems within the municipality.

Sandra Cameron was released from her employment today (Nov. 9), the township said in a news release.

A probe started in early February when over 550 accounts showed inconsistencies in interim tax billings, specifically how payments, penalties and interest were applied and reported.

A forensic audit was ordered in late March.

“That investigation is ongoing but an interim report was recently received. The report confirmed the nature and scale of transactions which, in the Township’s view, violated municipal policies and practices,” CAO Daniel Gagnon said.

In late March, Gagnon had told North Glengarry council he believed some criminal element may have been behind the problems with the tax billing in the township, but needed a forensic audit to confirm “a root cause.”

Gagnon said the township has five or six accounts left to be corrected, which will be completed during the Monday (Nov. 13) council meeting.

SD&G O.P.P. have been called in to investigate.

The township said it will release no more information at this time.