COVID-19: City Offers Tax and Utility Deferrals to Ease Pandemic Pressures

Lloydminster, AB/SK – Lloydminster residents and businesses now have deferment options for their property tax and utility payments as part of the City of Lloydminster’s efforts to ease financial pressures relating to COVID-19.

“With so many livelihoods impacted by ongoing pandemic response measures, City Council and Administration sympathize deeply with the families who are facing financial uncertainties,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers, following a unanimous vote during the Council meeting held on Monday, April 6, 2020.

“It is important that we, as a municipal government, take action to ease the burden on our residents and businesses while continuing to provide essential public services.”

The City of Lloydminster has developed the Payment Option Relief Plan to extend short-term relief to the entire community. In reviewing COVID-19 related deferral options offered in other municipalities, the City realized it faced unique limitations under the Lloydminster Charter.

Mayor Aalbers said Lloydminster's bi-provincial status called for a strategic ‘made-for-Lloydminster' solution.

“We want to ensure everyone understands that deferral options represent a short-term relief measure, and these amounts must still be paid in full,” said Mayor Aalbers. “We also encourage property lessors to extend this short-term deferment to their tenants.”

To date, the Province of Saskatchewan has not announced any deferrals affecting local municipal tax levies; once confirmed, the City of Lloydminster will review the relief options to ensure they align with the province.

Residents and businesses in a position to continue paying their property taxes and utility bills, as usual, are encouraged to do so.

Property Taxes

Lloydminster residential and commercial property owners will have until November 10, 2020, to pay their current property taxes. Tax notices will be issued in May; however, penalties for failure to pay current property taxes will not be applied until November 2020.

Taxpayers enrolled in the pre-authorized debit plan may cancel their ongoing payments and obtain a full refund of their contributions toward their current property taxes. Cancellations must occur before May 8, 2020.

Penalties are still applicable to any taxes in arrears, and all payments made must be applied to taxes in arrears first.

Utility Payments

Lloydminster utility customers, both residential and commercial, say can be deferred 90 days up until September 30, 2020. Invoices will continue to be issued monthly, and any invoice issued before April 1, 2020, is not available for deferment.

During this time, there will be no water disconnections for nonpayment; however, where applicable, outstanding balances will be transferred to property taxes after 180 days.

Other Opportunities

Business licenses will still be issued; however, business license fees will not be due until September 30, 2020.

The current penalty for accounts receivable is “Net 30” after the invoice is due. Until September 30, 2020, penalty terms will be extended to “Net 60.”

Collections

The relief options will not encompass or include those already in arrears. Collection and recovery actions will continue for outstanding accounts.

Learn more about the City's COVID-19 response at lloydminster.ca/COVID-19.