At a special meeting held last Thursday afternoon, city council voted to suspend penalties for the late payment of utility bills until Sept. 30 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Some residents and local businesses are experiencing increasing financial strain resulting from the loss of employment or closure of business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says the administrative report prepared for council.

“In conjunction with other municipalities, the City of Whitehorse is considering changes to the way billing and collection for utilities and other services could be provided, with a focus on providing citizens and businesses with additional payment options.”

City council has the authority under the Municipal Act to take any measures necessary to deal with an emergency.

In addition to suspending the penalties for payments of utility bills, council has also suspended the late penalties for the payment of other city invoices but not property taxes.

The city and the other seven municipalities in the territory are in discussions with the Yukon government about suspending penalties for missing the July 1 deadline for property taxes.

The government has the authority over property taxes under the act.

While the city will not charge penalties for late payment of utility bills, it will continue to bill residents in the normal fashion to ensure customers remain aware of their current situation.

The city will continue to process pre-authorized payments unless the customer contacts city hall to request the pre-authorization be cancelled.

The administrative report estimates the suspension of penalties will cost the city approximately $78,000, based on data from previous years.

The lost revenue will not put the city at financial risk, says the report.

“These measures would provide relief for customers who may not be able to afford to pay their bills,” says the report.

“By suspending late payment charges, utility customers will be in a position to choose whether they are able to delay payments for utility services without negative financial impact.”