Town of St. Marys waiving penalties and interest charges on municipal payments for 30 days

On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, St. Marys Town Council passed a resolution to waive all penalties and interest charges on municipal payments, including property taxes, child care bills and water/wastewater bills for 30 days. The move is being made to help alleviate the financial burdens facing residents and business owners in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We recognize and understand the economic challenges that have come out of this crisis,” said Mayor Al Strathdee. “By waiving interest and penalties, we hope to reduce residents’ financial stress so that they can focus on staying safe and healthy.”

Because property taxes make up the bulk of the Town’s annual revenue, the municipality is asking those that can afford to pay their bills on time to do so.  The next property tax installment is due for those that can pay on Friday, May 29, 2020.

Property tax payments can be made through online banking (use the 19 digit roll number as the account number); by sending a cheque through the mail (Town of St. Marys, 175 Queen Street East, PO Box 998, St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6); or through a pre-authorized payment plan. To sign up for pre-authorized payments or to change your current plan, contact the Finance Department at 519-284-2340, ext. 214 or amorin@town.stmarys.on.ca.

Child care payments can be made through online banking or by mailing a cheque. Specific instructions have been sent to all child care centre users; questions and concerns can be directed to Jenn Lewis, Early Learning Services Supervisor at 519-284-2340, ext. 500 or jlewis@town.stmarys.on.ca.

Water and wastewater bill payments are managed by Festival Hydro. For bill due dates and information about payment options, visit www.festivalhydro.com or call 519-271-4700.

Waiving penalties and interest charges is the Town’s first step toward providing financial assistance to the community. Staff are in the process of developing a Municipal Payment Deferral Program that will offer further relief to those facing serious economic strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More details about the program will be provided as they become available. 

If you have questions about municipal payments, contact the Finance Department at 519-284-2340, ext. 214 or amorin@town.stmarys.on.ca. For more information about the Town’s response to COVID-19, visit www.townofstmarys.com/covid19.

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Contact

Brett O’Reilly | Corporate Communications & Events Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca