Sarnia council will consider extending some of its pandemic relief measures for businesses and residential property owners Monday.
Mayor Mike Bradley said staff are recommending the penalty and interest charges on property taxes, late fees on utilities and other invoices be waived until June 30.
"That will cost the city, with lost interest and fees, along with other changes we're making, about $200,000, but we think it's a good investment to help people get their breath as we go through this crisis," said Bradley.
He says council will continue to look, every month, at what can be done to assist people.
"The other thing that we've done is we've cut $1.7 million from our budget and that includes not filling 160 positions that are seasonal, and students, so that we are better prepared in the months ahead when we deal with the business community in particular, who are struggling to make ends meet and to keep their operations going."
Council will also consider a recommendation to defer rent on its leased premises and land until the end of June.
To qualify, businesses and non-profits, will have to prove they applied for funding relief from senior government during the pandemic.
City council meets by teleconference Monday at 10 a.m. The meeting will be streamed on the city website.
