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Prince George residents asked to pay property taxes online

Council has made significant adjustments to the city budget during COVID-19
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Physical distancing measures are in place at City Hall. (via City of Prince George)

The city is asking residents, because of COVID-19 provincial health orders, to pay property taxes remotely rather than in person, if possible.

City staff are mailing out 2020 property tax notices this week and the taxes are due by July 3.

The city says you can pay remotely through these methods:

  • Online banking: banks and credit unions that offer payment services provide the opportunity to pay tax bills online, through telephone banking, or in-person.
  • By mail to city hall
  • PayTM Canada: property taxes may be paid by credit card using the PayTM Canada mobile app. Credit cards are not accepted at the City Hall Service Centre.

The service centre at city hall will remain open with physical distancing measures in place. Those who choose to visit the service centre to pay their property taxes, are asked to adhere to physical distancing guidelines and recommended practices.

The city says cash payments are accepted but are discouraged at this time. The first hour (8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) will also be reserved for seniors and those with compromised immune systems.

Taxes paid to the City of Prince George fund the majority of the city’s operations and services, such as road and sidewalk rehabilitation, snow clearing, and Police and Fire Rescue services.

The remaining revenues typically come from various sources such as user fees, the rental of civic facilities, off-street parking, and permits related to new developments and construction.

But since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the provincial health orders in March, the city has reduced revenues of nearly $1.3 million per month.

In the past month, council has made significant adjustments to the City budget and 2020 tax levy in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Council reduced the tax levy increase nearly by half from a 3.44 per cent increase approved prior to the pandemic to 1.75 per cent.

Council has also deferred nearly $25 million in capital projects, eliminated 10 per cent late fees on sewer, water and solid waste utility payments, and frozen cost of living increases for Mayor, council and senior staff.

However, the service enhancements aimed at improving safety, cleanliness, and security downtown are proceeding in 2020. These include providing for additional police, security, and bylaw services personnel for the area; funding for homeless service hubs; and increased resources for removing illegal camps and dumpsites.