City Council has directed staff to temporarily change a number of financial practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption to residents’ incomes.
A report to Council Monday afternoon recommended deferrals and temporary suspension of charges for a number of City services.
“We are trying to provide flexibility to those residents and businesses that need to adjust due to the interruption in their incomes,” said Mayor Colin Basran. “By 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.”
The changes approved by Council Monday include:
“Unlike other levels of government, municipal governments cannot run a deficit, so we’re are doing what we can to give people a break, while still fulfilling our obligations to maintain services and comply with our legislated responsibilities,” said Mayor Basran.
Residents are also encouraged to look into the B.C. Government’s current property tax deferment program offering low-interest loans to those who qualify.
Residents may qualify if they are 55 or older during the current year, a surviving spouse of any age, a person with disabilities, a parent, stepparent or financially supporting a child.