Title
Property Tax Penalty Deferral
Proposed Motion
That Council approve to eliminate the property tax penalty for the failure to pay current property taxes for both residential and non-residential property owners between July 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion, as presented.
Purpose
Bylaw 2015-16 Tax Penalty imposes property tax penalties for residential and non-residential owners. Council, in accordance with Section 347 of the Municipal Government Act, has authority to cancel, reduce, refund, or defer taxes.
Summary
Parkland County residents may be facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The Federal Government along with the Government of Alberta have enacted measures to enable residents to avoid late penalties on select bill payments.
Each year, Parkland County levies property taxes for both residential and non-residential properties. Property taxes are due on June 30 and any unpaid amounts are subject to late payment penalties.
At the Municipal level, Council can elect to defer penalties on late property tax payments to ease the burden on rate payers suffering financial hardship.
Should Council approve to eliminate the property tax penalty for the failure to pay current property taxes for both residential and non-residential property owners between July 1,2020 and August 31, 2020, the first penalty would be applied on September 1, 2020 at a rate of 5% on the current years unpaid taxes.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Municipal Government Act, Section 347
Responsible Leadership: maintain the public's trust through transparent and fair decision-making, superior service delivery, and effective communication
Financial Impact:
Cost: $270,000
Source of Funding: Extreme Events Restricted Surplus