Press release from District of Peachland, April 23, 2020, 1:45pm:
Peachland, B.C. -- District council has approved an extension of the 2020 property tax payment penalty due date to November 2nd and will waive late payment penalties on utility bills for the first two quarters of 2020. These measures have been put in place to provide residents with some financial relief in the wake of the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council asked staff to present a report on Budget Efficiency Options for Peachland residents considering the financial hardships they may be experiencing from the pandemic. At the Special Council meeting held on April 14th and the regular Council meeting held on April 21st, the following changes were approved:
The current property tax due date of July 2, 2020 will remain, but the 10% penalty for late payment has been moved from July 2nd to November 2nd, 2020.
Late payment penalties on Utility Bills in the first and second quarter of 2020 will be waived.
The municipal tax rate increase for 2020 will be reduced from an initial 4.9% increase to a 4.4% increase.
“By deferring deadlines and penalties, we, as a municipality, can provide relief when people need it most – right now,” stated Mayor Fortin. “Council recognizes that this is a trying time for many of our citizens and we want to do what we can to help.”
Taxpayers should also be reminded that they can request a hold on monthly tax prepayment auto- withdrawals if they notify the District at least five business days prior to the tax prepayment date, which is schedule of the 15th of each month.
For more information on how the District is responding to the pandemic, please visit: www.peachland.ca/covid-19-information