The District of Mission will begin phasing the re-opening of its Municipal Hall starting June 1 with the opening of the north door to provide in-person property tax payment service.
“As we carefully plan the re-opening of civic facilities across the District of Mission, the safety of our residents and staff is our highest priority,” said Mayor Pam Alexis.
Many residents don’t pay their taxes in person, Alexis said, they prefer to use online payment options. However, the district still needs to offer the choice of in-person payment.
Safety measures will include physical distancing markers on the floor, Plexiglas at the counter, PPE for staff, and enhanced cleaning protocols throughout the day.
Due to the limited size of the finance area, there will also be a limit of two adults in the reception area at one time. Residents choosing to pay in-person may need to wait in a physically distanced cue outside the building if the maximum number of people in reception is met.
Online options are available to taxpayers looking to save a trip to Municipal Hall by claiming a home owner grant at mission.ca/ehog and using online banking. Alternatively, payment can be dropped in one of the secure 24-hr mail slots located outside the south and north entrance of Municipal Hall or in the secure drop box at Welton Common from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
While taxes are due July 2, earlier this month, council adopted a bylaw to delay the penalty date for late payment of residential property taxes to after September 30, 2020 — this allows more time for people who need it as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taxpayers are encouraged to pay their taxes by the due date if they are able.
Plans for the full re-opening of Municipal Hall, Welton Common, Public Works, the Visitor Information Centre, the RCMP front counter and Crime Prevention Office, and all Fire Station front counters are currently under way.
The latest information about the District of Mission’s response to COVID-19 is available at mission.ca/covid-19.
