Some 144 property owners in and around the Capital City, Georgetown have converted their buildings from residential to commercial property but continue to pay residential rates, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council has said.
Some have even changed the size of the building to make it larger and continue to pay the $16,000 residential rates instead of the business rate.
City Treasurer, Ron McAlmont, said those properties were sent to the evaluation division of the Mayor and City Council which deals with such matters.
Mc Almont said the valuation department is working speedily to have those properties reevaluated.According to McAlmont, from extensive research done by City Hall revealed this is occurring in various wards, but predominantly, North Cummings burg, Bourda and Lacystown.
He said what is of concern is that most of these property owners know they have changed their structures and are still paying the same rates.
The City Treasurer said the council also plans to take legal action against those who owes the council millions of dollars in Rates and Taxes.
The Mayor and City Council said over $3.7 billion dollars in Rates and Taxes are owed to the city and that is without interest.
McAlmont said the doors of City Hall are open and delinquent taxpayers can engage the Council to secure a payment plan.