Financial Plan/Tax Rates Bylaws to assist Taxpayers/Rural Utility User

Financial Plan/Tax Rates Bylaws to assist Taxpayers/Rural Utility User

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2020

Osoyoos Town Council amends Financial Plan and Tax Rates Bylaws to assist Taxpayers and Rural Utility Users.

At a Special Meeting of Town Council held on April 27, Osoyoos Town Council repealed the previously adopted 2020-2024 Financial Plan Bylaw and adopted a revised one that reduced the increase to the general municipal tax rate from 2.98% to 0%.
 
The municipal tax rate was reduced to 0% by deleting a number of capital projects that were funded by operating revenues, deferring some projects pending receipt of grant funding, reducing amounts to be borrowed and using operating surplus funds to cover off lost revenue in the Five Year Financial Plan. A copy of the report respecting the Five Year Financial Plan can be found here:
Report to Council 5 Year Plan
2020-2024 Financial Plan Bylaw
 
At the same Special Meeting, Town Council adopted the Tax Rates Bylaw that changed the due date for property tax and in Town water and sewer rates, including rural sewer user rates, from July 2 to September 30, and reduced the late payment penalty on unpaid amounts from 10% the day after the due date to 5% on October 1 and a further 5% on unpaid amounts as at December 31. A copy of the report respecting the Tax Rates Bylaw can be found here:
Report to Council Tax Rates Bylaw 1363, 2020
Osoyoos Water District Rates and Regulations Bylaw 1357 
Sewer Fees Bylaw No. 1358, 2019
 
Earlier in the year, Town Council had amended the due date for users of Rural Water Systems 8 and 9 from June 15 to August 17. This change should make it easier for agricultural water users to make payment for the service.
 
It is hoped that reducing the municipal property tax burden and late payment penalty and allowing businesses and homeowners more time to pay their tax and utility bills will help taxpayers in these difficult times.

Commenting on the changes Mayor McKortoff said:
We understand the difficult situation many businesses and homeowners find themselves in as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and are doing what we can to assist ratepayers while at the same time ensuring the continued delivery of essential services.
 

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