In addition to suspensions of late payments for taxes and utility payments, now the Town of Strathmore has announced deferrals of utility payments and property taxes.

Residents can now defer March to June utility payments.

According to the town, customers will pay the deferred amount as an addition to their regular utility payment starting in July. The deferred amount will be added as equal payments on July – December utility bills without interest or penalty. Utility bills will be higher in July to December as a result of those deferred payments being added to bills.

In the April 9 Town of Strathmore update on Facebook Live, Mayor Pat Fule said, “Change can be difficult but it’s incredible how Strathmore has been able to adapt to these challenges.”

“Please, please resist the temptation to get together with friends and extended family.”

The mayor said it’s very important to not connect with people and keep a physical distance.

He spoke of the launching of the Creative Kids contest and the theme for the week ‘Why we are staying at home.’ He also spoke of the online Easter egg hunt, which takes place on the town’s website this long-weekend.

The Mayor addressed the changing of the boundaries on the Alberta Health Services map. He also spoke of a teleconference with Premier Jason Kenney, Dr. Deena Hinshaw and other ministers on Tuesday night. The town hall was between the provinces, and mayors, councillors and Chief Administrative Officers.

“Councillor Sobol and I were a part of a teleconference call Tuesday evening with Alberta government ministers as well as Dr. Hinshaw,” he said. He explained that he was able to speak with Hinshaw about the changed map. The new map outlines the number of cases in Wheatland County. There is only one case of COVID-19 in Strathmore and Wheatland County, and as the map reflects, the case is over an individual who has recovered.

The town will also be deferring 50 per cent of the education property tax on business and commercial properties until Jan. 1, 2021, in support of the province’s recent announcement of the deferral of 50 per cent of the 2020 education property tax for business and commercial property owners.

For all properties, the property tax due date has been deferred two months from June 30 to August 31, 2020, without penalties or interest.

He spoke of his disappointment about the issue of litter in the community and the discarding of plastic gloves.

“Please don’t leave your gloves for someone else to pick up,” he said.

The most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID19 is by staying home, said the Mayor.

The Mayor also addressed a question about groups of roaming teens in town.

“Sometimes people might need a reminder about physical distancing,” he said. He encouraged people to contact the town’s municipal enforcement if they have concerns.

The next Facebook Live session with the mayor will be on Friday, April 17 at 1 p.m. Individuals can submit questions via Facebook beforehand.