Mayor Ed Holder has thrown his support behind a push for city hall to suspend late fees on upcoming property tax bills to help Londoners struggling financially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ward 3 Councillor Mo Salih is expected to put forward the motion at the March 24 council meeting. The recommendation calls on the city to waive interest and late fees for 30 days on all property tax, water and sewer bills and defer all community improvement plan loan repayments for one month.
"Let me commend Councillor Salih for spearheading this initiative, and crafting a motion that will provide meaningful financial relief for individuals and local businesses," Holder said in a statement issued on Wednesday. "This is the first, but by no means the last initiative we will undertake to ensure those who are hurting as a result of this pandemic are provided with the appropriate resources and assistance."
City hall normally tacks on 1.25 per cent interest monthly on all late tax payments. How much the move could cost the city is unclear, but depending on how many London taxpayers choose to defer payments the figure could be around $100,000.
While measures to ease the financial burden during the global pandemic are expected to be announced by the provincial and federal governments, Holder noted this is one step the municipality can "act on quickly."
"Over the last several days, I have personally heard from literally hundreds of constituents facing financial hardships as a result of this pandemic," said Salih. "I'm confident my motion, with support from the mayor and deputy mayor, will be approved at council on Tuesday, allowing us to provide at least some measure of immediate relief for Londoners in need."
Deputy Mayor Jesse Helmer plans on seconding the motion when it is introduced.
Property tax, water and sewer bills payments in London are normally due on the last business day in March. If Salih's motion is approved by council the deadline would be extended until the end of April.
