Wawa Municipal Council's approved measures to provide some financial relief for taxpayers.
In an electronic meeting last night, Council approved a resolution confirming a previously-announced move waiving interest and penalty charges until June 30th for the property tax installment due April 30th, the water and sewer billings coming in early May, and accounts receivable.
The Municipality notes payments can be made at the bank; using online or telephone banking; by mail; by credit card; by credit card over the phone; through temporary automatic withdrawals; or - as a temporary measure only - through e-transfer payments.
Council's also delaying the implementation of new water and sewer rates, pushing it four months to September 1st - that means the rates would apply for the final billing period of the year, which would go out to ratepayers at the start of 2021.
CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill had cited multiple issues relating to the current pandemic that made it hard for staff to make needed changes - including that they couldn't attend physical businesses to change meters or check for leaks, or hold public meetings to communicate the changes, or as easily work with businesses and individuals to mitigate the impact of the new rates - though O'Neill also noted a delay from the provider for the billing system, and added this could offer a level of relief for ratepayers amid the pandemic.