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Cochrane makes changes to provide 'small amount of financial relief' for residents

Mayor says they are actions within their control to ease financial anxiety
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NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF COCHRANE
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The Town of Cochrane is taking steps to help local ratepayers with their utility and tax bills as well as re-examining operating budgets.

To provide a small amount of financial relief for our residents the Town of Cochrane will be implementing the following measures effective immediately:

  • Council amended their procedural by-law to allow for electronic participation by Council members for meetings.
  • Council has waived all interest and penalties for tax payments for a period of 60 days at which time it will be re-evaluated.
  • Council has waived interest and penalties for monthly water and sewage payments for a period of 60 days at which time it will be re-evaluated.
  • Previously approved user fee increases scheduled to take effect April 1. 2020 will be deferred for 60 days at which time it will be re-evaluated.
  • Council has directed staff to present an amended 0% increase tax-based budget for consideration April 28, 2020.
  • Council has directed staff to defer the implementation of the approved 2020 water/sewage budget and to report back with an amended 0% increase budget for consideration on April 28, 2020.

Mayor Denis Clement reiterated the Towns commitment to working with the community to provide a small measure of relief for our community in these uncertain times. “Council and I know these are small measures, but they are actions within our control that we hope will help ease financial anxiety. I would encourage any member of our community who needs assistance with municipal services to call Town Hall and speak to a member of staff.”

We thank the public for their patience and understanding during this time of uncertainty.

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