Kitimat, B.C.- The Mayor of Kitimat, Joanne Monaghan, says she is looking forward to meeting with West Fraser about the property taxes for the Eurocan mill. “They requested a meeting, and our Council will be asked this evening (at the regular Council meeting) who will be available to attend a session next week.”

On Friday, West Fraser started legal proceedings to challenge the tax rates. Although the company has paid the tax bill, it says the increase was “unreasonable”.

The Kitimat portion of the tax bill rose by 4.9%. Mayor Monaghan says the real contentious issue appears to be the hike in the School Board tax rate and Regional District rate which were both in the 7% range.

The legal proceedings started Friday were meant to ensure that the option of a legal challenge was not lost because of a time limit.

Mayor Monaghan says although the tax rates have been registered for this year and cannot be changed, she is confident the matter can be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.