In light of the ongoing pandemic, the Town of Ponoka recently took a number of steps to help ease some of the financial burden caused by COVID-19.

First, the town council approved two motions this week designed to give some relief to residents and business owners on their property taxes in the coming months.

Before the final budget approval is brought before COuncil in may, Administration has been directed by Council to deliver a 0% property tax increase for 2020.

A 2.7% property tax increase was included in the Interium 2020 Budget back in November. However, due to the pandemic and the recent crash in oil prices, the Town now wants to make that a 0% increase to put more money in the hands of it's citizens while still operating essential town services.

“Administration expects that a zero per cent property tax increase will be achievable due to some of the cost reductions that are being realized during the pandemic,” said Albert Flootman, the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer.

Flootman says certain measures taken last month to help stop the spread of COVID-19 have already contributed to the cost savings, including reductions in travel expenses, an increase in online meetings, and not filling staff vacancies for non-essential positions. 

 

Property tax Relief Program

A motion was also approved to allow residents and businesses to have their 2020 property tax payments deferred without a penalty until October 1st. 

“Business and residential property owners who are able to pay their property taxes before the normal July 31 deadline are still encouraged to do so. However, those facing serious financial difficulties during this COVID-19 outbreak will be invited to contact the Town Office and apply to have their property tax payment deferred until October,” said Flootman.

Late payments for utility bills will also be waved until the end of June for residents and businesses.

 

Ponoka Food Bank Donation

Council also approved a $2,000 donation to the Ponoka Food Bank.

“The Food Bank is looking for extra help because of the increased demand it’s seeing during the COVID-19 outbreak combined with the crash in oil prices. Council has some extra money available in its advertising budget right now because we’re not travelling or going to conferences. We want to use that money to help our vulnerable population in Ponoka,” said Ponoka Mayor Rick Bonnett.

Mayor Bonnett encourages everyone to help support their local food bank during these difficult times and says places around town are collecting cash donations for the food bank, including No Frills and IGA. 

The Ponoka Food Bank encourages donations of cash and the following non-perishable items: canned vegetables, canned soup, canned meats, Kraft dinner, crackers, non-sugary cereals such as Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies, jam, toilet paper, hand soap and toothpaste.

 

Content provided by the Town of Ponoka.