By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Advance
With all sectors of the economy being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Paintearth has brought in some relief for its rate payers.
Bylaw 689-20, the Tax Installment Payment Plan Bylaw, was brought into effect during the May 21st council meeting and replaces the previous Tax Installment Payment Plan Bylaw.
Under the new bylaw, companies that are unable to pay the full amount of their taxes when they are due can enter into a payment plan with the County, and as long as the taxes are paid in full by Dec. 31st of the given year, without penalty.
This agreement can be entered into with the County at any time.
Under the previous bylaw, companies wishing to use the plan must have registered for the plan in January of any given year.
“The new plan allows them to enter the agreement at any time of the year, provided all taxes owed are paid back by the end of the year,” said County Chief Administrative Officer Michael Simpson.
“It’s a compassionate move on the part of the County. We just really want companies to stay solvent and stay in the game.”
The bylaw passed all three readings during the meeting.
Other highlights of the May 20th meeting:
• After an April 20th Strategic Planning Session, the County of Paintearth has approved their updated 2019-2022 strategic plan. Included in the Strategic Plan update was an update on the County of Paintearth phone app, which is being developed. The communities of Castor and Coronation have also signed on to be part of the app as well.
• Councillors Dale Norton and Diane Elliot have agreed to be County of Paintearth representatives on the Town of Coronation Alberta Community Partnership Grant committee.
• Council has approved a new policy setting budgets for councillor continuing education. In addition to the all-council conferences which all members attend, each councillor will now have access to $4,000 a year of continuing education funds, which can be used on a variety of relevant conferences and secondary education.