The Town of Vermilion is applying for provincial tax credits that could return more than ,000 in unpaid education property taxes linked to delinquent oil and gas properties.

At a recent council meeting, Director of Corporate Services Marilyn Lavoie said administration plans to submit an application under Alberta’s Provincial Education Requisition Credit program.

The program allows municipalities to recover unpaid provincial education taxes associated with qualifying oil and gas properties.

“Currently, the Town of Vermilion has three properties that we will apply for under this program,” Lavoie said.

“The years range from 2019 to 2025, and if successful, we would receive $5,192.77 back.”

Lavoie also told council administration was unable to locate records showing the Town had applied for the credit in previous years covering that same period.

Council voted to support the application.

Mayor Robert Snow reminded council that approval is not automatic and suggested the Town advocate for its submission with provincial officials.

“Obviously it’s an application, so it’s something that might not be approved,” Snow said.

He also suggested administration consider discussions with the ministry and the area’s MLA to support the application.

Council unanimously supported moving forward.

“It’s always good when we’re applying for money to come back to us,” Snow said.

If the application is approved, the recovered funds would offset education property taxes that remain unpaid on qualifying properties.