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The city of Richmond is planning to extend the property tax deadline from July 2 to Sept. 2.
Photo by Jaana Björk
Richmond looks to reduce, and delay, property taxes
Published 3:59 PDT, Wed April 15, 2020
Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021
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Richmond is hoping to get a reprieve on property taxes.
The city will be asking the province to delay the due date of property taxes to Sept. 2, 2020 to help those facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If the provincial government does not amend legislation, taxes will remain due on July 2 and city council will exercise its rights under the Community Charter to change the date itself.
“This is a difficult time for many people in our community and it is essential we do as much as we can to reduce the stress and pressure they are facing due to this unprecedented situation,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “We also recognize those challenges go beyond Richmond, which is why we want the provincial government to action its ability to provide the same option to everyone, regardless of where they live.”
Council has also approved budget amendments that will result in a two per cent decrease in the previously-approved property tax amount. This includes cancelling plans under council’s long-term financial management strategy, that would have seen an increase in the annual transfer to reserve of one per cent to support capital improvements and funding for new or replacement facilities.
A further one per cent will come through placing the hiring of 12 RCMP officers and five RCMP support staff on hold, delaying phased funding for the City Centre Community Centre North, and deferring the operating budget impact of projects previously approved in the 2020 capital budget.
Combined, the proposed changes will reduce 2020 property taxes by $4.6 million.
The city will seek public feedback on these amendments to the five-year financial plan (2020-2024) through Let’sTalkRichmond.ca beginning next week. Comments can also be emailed to finance@richmond.ca
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