The Rural Municipality of Edenwold in Saskatchewan is easing some of the financial pressure on its residents, businesses and farmers after approving a tax decrease amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a news release, council has approved a 15 per cent reduction in 2020 mill rates for all residents, industrial and commercial businesses and agricultural properties.
“In this current context, we as a council chose to do something meaningful and far-reaching to help everyone in our municipality,” said Mitchell Huber, reeve of Edenwold. “Reducing mill rates is our way of helping.”
In April, council announced that late fees and penalty fees charged on utilities would be waived for the remainder of the year.
Its planning department also updated the existing economic development tax exemption policy and helped local businesses with promotion opportunities.
“Fiscally responsible governance ensures we can provide this tax relief and still remain solvent,” chief administrative officer Kim McIvor said.
“We are also going ahead with over $3 million worth of infrastructure projects this year. We believe in our community and support the Saskatchewan construction industry.”
Some of these projects include three bridge rehabilitation projects, backup water well construction and a municipal office site concept design planning, including a fire hall and recreation field house.
The reeve said tax notices go out in August, and he hopes the much-needed relief comes at a good time.
“By then, people will have a better sense of their financial situation and can make some plans of their own armed with this information. Taxes are not due until December, and we’ve always offered early tax payment incentives; those still apply,” Huber said.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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