Surrey could push back property tax deadline due to COVID-19
Posted April 15, 2020 9:33 am.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) — The mayor of Surrey says his city’s financial house is stable, despite the strain being caused by COVID-19.
While Vancouver has been asking the province for emergency aid, Doug McCallum says Surrey has been proactively finding ways to lessen the financial blow caused by the pandemic.
He feels Surrey is operating from a position of relative strength, even though the city is losing an average $4 million a month.
McCallum predicts a $37-million to $42-million budgetary shortfall, based on COVID-19 restrictions easing by early summer.
Meanwhile, McCallum says the city is being proactive and concentrating on providing municipal services to mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic, and has extended payment due dates for water and sewer services.
The city is also considering pushing the property tax deadline from July to September, he adds.
Vancouver is considering doing the same, while Port Coquitlam has already done so.
Surrey council rejected a motion earlier this month to defer property taxes.
Taxes are due July 2, but Coun. Linda Annis was asking the city to extend the deadline for all residents and businesses until Dec. 2.
McCallum said then such a move was up to the province.
