Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Greater Napanee council has voted to enact several financial relief measures for the community as they continue to deal with the fallout from COVID-19.
Meeting virtually for the first time in the history of the town via live stream on the town’s Youtube channel on Friday afternoon, council was able to pass several motions.
Among those measures passed was waiving off all bag tag fees, with no limit on the amount of bags a household could place at curb side. All items must be in a bag. The waiving of bag tags will remain in place until at least the next council meeting, though no date has been set for the next meeting, which will also be done virtually. Free garbage pickup is estimated to cost the town $54,600 per month.
Council also voted in favour of the following:
- To waive interest and penalties for the April 24 tax instalment, which is normally added May 1, 2020.
- To waive penalties and interest for the March 27th utilities due date, which is normally added April 1, 2020 and would cover all interest up until the May 27, 2020 due date.
- Remove residents and businesses from PAP plans as requested.
- Waive any NSF fees on PAP transactions for April and May.
- Reassess in May to possibly extend penalty and interest for longer periods.
Anyone who pays their taxes automatically through their mortgage would have to call their bank to opt into a deferral.
Waiving of penalties and interest is expected to have a financial impact of $41,250 per month on taxes and $4,500 on water.
In a vote of 4-3, council voted to keep Roblin and South Fredericksburgh Waste Disposal Sites closed for now, with the issue to be revisited at the next virtual meeting.
-Councillor Bob Norrie noted that the Napanee BIA would be waiving its membership fee for the remainder of the year and would be allowing the lease on its current building to expire following April 30. He did note however that the BIA was not disbanding and would be back.