WHEREAS the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville recognizes that taxpayers may be financially burdened as a result of the loss of employment or business income resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS the Town may defer current interest and penalties on tax and water accounts for which payment is received at a later date than the date otherwise due.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize staff to extend a grace period of 60 days following the due date of taxes payable and water billing payable for any due date commencing July 1, 2021 and no later than December 31, 2021, at the request of the taxpayer; and
THAT the taxpayer may apply for such deferral of interest and penalties by applying in writing or email to the Treasurer stating the nature of the financial burden along with the relevant account information; and
THAT the Treasurer may then waive such interest and penalties as may be incurred provided payment of all outstanding amounts is received on or before a date not greater than 60 days following the due date for which the request applies; and
THAT the request for the waiving of fees must be received by the Treasurer at least one week in advance of the due date with all required documentation provided; and
THAT all residents currently enrolled in the deferral program be automatically extended to December 31, 2021 and that those residents receive notification of the updated due dates for property taxes and water bills.