Bonnyville town council waives penalties on tax and utility deferrals

The Town of Bonnyville waived penalties on bills to give residents some flexibility in the uncertain times of COVID-19 at Thursday’s special council meeting.

The Town said they encourage residents to take advantage of these measures if they need to.

Otherwise, they encourage you to pay the full amounts or some if they’re able.

“What we’re going to be doing is we’re going to be sending out our bills and tax notices, so that you can pay them to do so. But if you need to have a deferral to contact the office,” said Mayor Gene Sobolewski at a press conference on Friday.

“We have now put together some policies and changed some that are amended..to help out with trying to deal with this COVID.”

Property tax assessments and notice will be sent in May and are still due June 30. However, penalties will not be applied for July, August, and September for missing payment.

Residents in the tax prepayment plan can defer for April, May, and June.

For the 2020 tax year, once the tax rate bylaw is approved and the combined assessment and tax notice is finalized, the remaining balance owing after June 30 will be collected before the end of December.

Utility bills will continue to be sent monthly to customers as usual, but penalties have been waived for April, May, and June.

Outstanding utility accounts that remain unpaid after June 30 will be required to be paid by paying the current bill plus one-third of the amount deferred during the months of July, August, and September.

Utility accounts that remain unpaid 45 days from the date of billing will not be transferred to Property Taxes for the months April, May, and June.

Other fees from bulk water, landfill, tax arrears, and administrative costs will not collect penalties for missing payments.

Council will review and look to extend these measures if necessary depending on what happens with COVID-19.

Any questions regarding deferrals or payment plans can be directed to the Town Office at 780-826-3496 or at taxes@town.bonnyville.ab.ca.

The Town Office is closed to the public.

Town of Bonnyville press conference