FORT ERIE (March 24, 2020) The Town of Fort Erie is taking additional steps to assist residents and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.
During Monday night’s meeting, Council agreed to temporarily introduce a grace period and begin to waive late fees and penalties on water billings and taxes levied in 2020. Further, no late fees will be assessed on business licenses and payment will be waived for on-street parking or in a municipal parking lot. This policy will be in effect until June 30, 2020.
The Town will continue to process pre-authorized payments for taxes and water on its regular billing schedule. There will be no penalties associated with withdrawing from the pre-authorized payment program until June 30, 2020 and water services will not be disconnected by the Town of Fort Erie for non-payment of water and wastewater billings before June 30, 2020.
“The Town remains committed to help mitigate the financial strain faced by members of our community while together we tackle the challenges that lay ahead,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop. “At the same time, we will continue to do what needs to be done to protect the health of our residents and employees.”
The provincial government recently passed the Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 to assist cities and towns during these unprecedented times. Among the new measures, the law allows local councils to conduct meetings by electronic means.
During Monday’s meeting, Fort Erie Council approved a change to its Procedural By-law to allow for electronic meetings as part of its pandemic response. Further, Council passed a resolution giving additional authority to the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer, in consultation with the Mayor, to respond to any urgent issues or situations that may arise as a result of rapidly changing events due to the COVID-19 outbreak.