If you’ve been waiting for the Town of Ponoka to roll out its promised tax and utility relief measures, your wait is over.
Ponoka town council officially approved the town’s new property tax and utility relief program during its virtual council meeting on May 12.
Businesses and residents who are still able to pay their taxes and utility bills are encouraged to do so as the intention of the program is to provide relief for those who are struggling due to COVID-19.
“Council knows the COVID-19 crisis has impacted many of our businesses and residents financially,” said Mayor Rick Bonnett in a release.
“That’s why the Town is offering these relief programs – to help those residents and businesses that need it most.
“However, we are still asking our citizens who can pay their bills on time to please do so to minimize the impact on cash flows needed to provide essential services.”
Property tax relief program
Those who apply for the property tax relief program may have the three per cent Aug. 31, 2020 property tax penalty waived.
Citizens on the monthly TIPPS payment program may apply to defer their June, July and August property tax payments.
Remaining property taxes for the year will be adjusted so amounts are fully paid by Dec. 31, 2020.
Utility payment relief program
Businesses and residents can defer payments on their Town of Ponoka utility bills until June
30, 2020. Late payment fees on those utility bills will be waived until the end of June 2020.
The town asks that payments, in full or in part, are made as businesses and residents are able, in order to keep accounts as current as possible.
If you have questions about the utility relief program, contact the utility department at 403-783-0111 or by email at utilities@ponoka.ca.
For questions about the property tax relief program, please contact the tax department at 403-
783-0127 or by email at taxes@ponoka.ca.
To apply for the program, contact the town office.