Sawmills, car washes, lumber yards to pay taxes soon – LM&TC

The Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) is currently working on putting systems in place for sawmills, wash bays and lumber yards in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to pay rates and taxes.

The system, which is soon to be implemented, has been a topic of discussion at recent statutory meetings hosted by the Council, including the recent meeting held at the Watooka Complex last Wednesday.
Linden Town Clerk Orleena Obermuller had indicated during a previous meeting that the Council’s Environmental Department had been working to update its database for sawmills in the community to be evaluated in order for them to pay rates and taxes.
It was also noted that sawmills were not on the Council’s tax roll. Obermuller had also indicated that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council’s Environmental Department would have drafted a guideline document for sawmills.
Speaking at the most recent meeting, Deputy Mayor Wainewright Bethune said before certain systems can be put in place, consultations must take place with relevant agencies.
“While we have an Environmental Health Department, as we move ahead into this …this is more of a physical environment we’re dealing with that would have the impact. So, I really think we have to sit with the EPA personnel and clearly outline some of the things…” the Deputy Mayor said.
The Council is also in the process of determining the number of wash bays on the Council’s reserves.
Linden’s Mayor, Waneka Arrindell, noted that the Council will consult with the various departments this week, including Environmental, Works and Buildings to ascertain this and to gather other information. She said the Council will also consult with the EPA and Guyana Water Inc (GWI) to determine if areas are suitable for such businesses.