Following a meeting of regional treasurers in Essex County, Tecumseh introduced a plan for the waiver of late payment fees on property taxes and water/wastewater payments. Council approved the waiver of late payment fees at their meeting on March 24 and delegated authority to Tecumseh’s Treasurer to make further decisions on extending financial relief measures during the declared state of emergency. An update to the plan will be presented to Council at their April 14, 2020 meeting to extend the delegation of authority to include the waiver of non-sufficient funds charges.

“We know the strain our community is under financially with the changes to essential and non-essential work and the impact that has on their expenses,” said Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh. “We want to help our residents through different ways to meet their financial obligations without increased penalties. We will continue to monitor the situation with further updates as needed.”

Taxes are due April 28, 2020. Water/wastewater payments are due based on your monthly or bi-monthly billing cycle. To provide relief for owners, the Town has implemented the following:

• No late payment fees on property tax accounts either as penalty and/or interest will be applied through the period ending June 30, 2020
• No late payment fees on water/wastewater accounts either as penalty and/or interest will be applied through the period ending April 30, 2020 with an extension to June 30, 2020 pending Council approval on April 14
• All pre-authorized payments will be withdrawn on scheduled dates unless otherwise cancelled by the property owner

Under this plan, late payment fees will be applied on July 1, 2020 on outstanding balances, and the first of every month after that unless otherwise changed or updated. Council is being requested to waive any non-sufficient funds charges on property taxes through the period ending June 30, 2020 and to delegate authority to Tecumseh’s Treasurer to request Essex Power to match the waiver of late payment fees and non-sufficient funds charges on water/wastewater payments to those of property taxes.

For property owners who have selected pre-authorized payment for these accounts, you may discontinue the pre-authorized payment by contacting the Town at 519-735-2184.

“Property taxes and water/wastewater rates are the main source of funding for the essential services the Town still continues to provide at this time,” said Tom Kitsos, Director Financial Services and Treasurer. “My colleagues and I in the County are mindful of the financial challenges many of our property owners have at this time while we continue to provide day-to-day services like waste collection, sewer maintenance, safe drinking water, storm water pumping stations, and protection services. Those who are able to maintain their regular tax payments are encouraged to do so to help support these essential municipal services.”

As this situation is constantly changing with updated messages from the federal and provincial  governments, the Town will continue to provide ongoing updates on further decisions. All updates will be posted to our website and users may register for regular updates using the online subscription service.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, we encourage you to visit the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit; Travel Advisories; Health Canada; and, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Information on this and all Town of Tecumseh news and events is available at www.tecumseh.ca, Twitter (@TownofTecumseh), and Facebook (Town of Tecumseh).

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Media Contacts:

Margaret Misek-Evans                                       Tom Kitsos      

Chief Administrative Officer                              Director Financial Services and Treasurer

519-735-2184 Ext. 111                                      519-735-2184 Ext. 125