Picture Butte tax penalty returns to pre-COVID amount

By Erika Mathieu
Sunny South News

In April 2020, Picture Butte town council adopted the measure to assist residents during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to the 2020 amendment, unpaid residential and non-residential taxes were subject to an 18 per cent penalty, but the bylaw was amended in April 2020 and reduced this penalty down to one per cent, given the economic uncertainty brought on by global shutdowns.

During the May 9 regularly scheduled council meeting, Picture Butte council passed a motion to amend Bylaw No. 862-17, the Tax and Tax Penalty Bylaw, returning the conditions of penalties to pre-pandemic standards.

CAO Keith Davis said Monday’s decision to amend the bylaw again, “returns the penalty to 18 per cent just as it was prior to COVID.” In March, the neighbouring town of Coaldale voted to return to the pre-COVID tax deadline. According to the bylaw, payments for the current year’s must be deemed received by July 10, or the last business day prior to July 10, and an assessment appeal does not provide an exemption from this deadline.

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