The Town of Oliver continues to take action to support citizens and businesses in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Yesterday, in a Special Closed meeting, Council directed Staff to bring forward changes to the 2020 Property Tax budget and utility rates to support taxpayers and citizens facing financial hardship.

The changes that will be brought forward to the next Council meeting include:

         Deferring the 4% Water Utility increase approved for 2020

         Reducing the 9% Property Tax increase approved for 2020 to NIL

Council also has approved using funds from the reserve accounts to allow for a 50% reduction for the first quarter utility bill for 2020.

The new relief measures approved yesterday are in support of those hardest hit in our local community and recognizing many will be struggling to pay bills right now. Council feels the measures announced today strike good balance between the Town of Oliver’s responsibility to not run a deficit and meet our obligations to maintain essential services. We are also practicing strong financial management by maintaining a strong level of cash assets, prioritizing municipal operations, and focusing on essential capital expenditures.