Mountain View County council agreed last week to cancel a $670 tax penalty for Western Baptist Church after the tax-exempt status for the church's campground property was restored.The campground lost its tax-free status last year after council reviewed exemptions under the Community Organization Property Tax Exemption Regulation (COPTER), ruling that it was ineligible because the facility was not open to the general public. The church appealed its tax bill, worth about $5,000, and was successful in getting its exempt status returned, not under COPTER but as a church organization.The penalty amount on the unpaid tax bill was racked up while the church was appealing its assessment.ìIt's generally cut and dried that if you appeal your taxes you should pay your taxes to avoid the penalty ñ but this situation is a little more unique,î corporate services director Greg Wiens told council last week.Council voted unanimously to cancel the penalty.The campground, located south of Water Valley near the Rocky View County boundary, has been operated by the church for almost 20 years. Calgary pastor Michael Martin told council last August that the church could not afford to pay taxes on the land and would be forced to cancel its lease with the provincial government if it lost its exemption.
