MELFORT — Reports of April and May's tax payment season were reported during the recent City of Melfort council meeting and councillors were not surprised by what they saw.
The report made at the June 15 meeting reported 2020 property tax payments were on track for April but took a steep drop for May.
Mayor Rick Lang said comparisons between May 2019 and May 2020 saw a $714,000 difference on how much property tax was paid.
Lang said with COVID-19 causing the city to defer property tax payments until Sept. 1, 2020, this difference was anticipated.
“It's similar to other cities just trying to help their citizens the best we can. Obviously you can't cancel taxes because you can't provide any services. So you still have to just do the best you can and make it as easy as possible with respect to the challenges that everybody's facing.”
Council’s lack of concern also stems from the fact that property taxes will be paid eventually.
In-person meeting
The June 15 council meeting was the first in-person meeting since March 9. While it is easier to hold valuable council discussions in person, Lang said, they still have to do so with health restriction in mind. At this time indoor restrictions are holding at 15 people meeting at one time, Lang said they are not going to let their guard down.
“We all still have to be very vigilant as to making sure that the rules and that's what we here tonight the best we can. And I didn't feel threatened at all. I felt that it was good to get back to face to face meetings.”
The next City of Melfort council meeting will take place on July 13 at City Hall.
