The City of Estevan has announced measures regarding property taxes and utility rates in an effort to support businesses and residents hit by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淲e want to offer assistance and best service our citizens experiencing the effects of the economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic,鈥� said Mayor Roy Ludwig. 鈥淭he city is committed to providing increased flexibility and immediate short-term relief for your utility and property tax payments.鈥�
The city will continue to bill for utility services as usual.聽 However, to best serve the City鈥檚 customers in these extraordinary times, the city has made the following changes to current utility collections activities:
- Utility disconnections due to arrears will be suspended until Sept. 1;
- Late payment charges will be suspended on all utility accounts until Sept. 1; and
- The city will continue to generate utility bills, reminders and other related notices for customers who are in arrears to keep them informed of their current situation.
These measures are aimed at providing financial relief for customers who may not be able to afford to pay their bills on time. By suspending late payment charges, utility customers will have the option to delay bill payments without putting themselves in additional financial hardship.聽 However, civic staff will continue to work with the City鈥檚 utility customers regarding payment arrangements so as not to leave them in a difficult financial situation in the future.
Delaying disconnections will help ensure that all homes have access to water, allowing for proper hand-washing and personal hygiene.
As for property taxes, the 2020 property tax notice will be delivered by the end of June.
To offer assistance and best service to citizens experiencing the effects of the economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city is committed to providing increased flexibility and immediate short-term relief for 2020 property tax payments.
The 2020 property tax due date will still show July 31, however, the city is extending a two-month grace period to provide residents with additional time to pay their 2020 property taxes.
鈥淵ou will not incur any late payment penalties on your 2020 property tax if you pay the full amount due by September 30, 2020,鈥� the city said in a news release.
If you have any questions regarding your property tax or utility payments, please contact city hall.
