EssarSteel1-230x117    A judge has sided with Essar Steel Algoma and the position of court monitor Ernst and Young overseeing the restructuring process in regards to taxes owed by the local steelmaker to the City of Sault Ste. Marie.   The City is owed around 7.1-million dollars for property taxes this year.  The tax bill prior to the CCAA proceedings was 14-million dollars.  The ruling means the local steelmaker won’t be required to make tax payments until after the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act process.  The judge says he knows the City needs the money but there are other creditors who need the money and are not being paid during this process. There’s also a need for Essar Steel Algoma to have a cash cushion while it operates during the restructuring process.