The City of Kelowna has deferred the property tax penalty, among a slew of other financial practices, to a later date to help residents struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A report to council on Monday afternoon recommended deferrals and temporary suspension of charges for a number of city services.
91裸聊视频淲e are trying to provide flexibility to those residents and businesses that need to adjust due to the interruption in their incomes,91裸聊视频� said Mayor Colin Basran. 91裸聊视频淏y deferring interest and penalties to September for those who need it, we are doing everything in our power as a local government to provide some financial relief for residents through the spring and summer.91裸聊视频�
The changes approved by council include:
- The 10 per cent penalty for late payment of property taxes is moved to Sept. 1, although those who can meet the current property tax due date of July 2 are urged to do so to maintain the city91裸聊视频檚 cash flow for essential services
- Property tax customers on monthly payment plans can request auto-withdrawals be put on hold starting April 7 until Aug. 31
- Waive interest rate charges on utility bills starting April 7 until Aug. 31, and customers on monthly payment plans can request a hold on auto-withdrawals during this same period.
- Interest charges on accounts receivable accounts (i.e. permits, licenses, rents) are waived as of April 7 until Aug. 31
- Collection agency efforts on outstanding accounts receivable customers as well as parking tickets are suspended between April 7 and Aug. 31
- Waive not sufficient fund fees between April 7 and Aug. 31
- Staff will bring to council a revenue anticipation borrowing bylaw that will allow the city to borrow short-term to assist with city cash flow to maintain essential services
91裸聊视频淯nlike other levels of government, municipal governments cannot run a deficit, so we91裸聊视频檙e are doing what we can to give people a break, while still fulfilling our obligations to maintain services and comply with our legislated responsibilities,91裸聊视频� said Basran.
michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com
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