Please join me in signing this petition asking for Covid Relief from Property Tax Penalties. It seems that there is a Catch 22 going on here whereby simultaneously the gov't expects us to conform to measures being taken to slow the spread of this virus - measures that have forced many of us out of work, or to shut down our businesses, and otherwise lose the very income that we would normally use to pay our bills - but at the same time is still willing to penalize us when we suffer the consequences of such measures. It also seems like a conflict of interest when the gov't 'benefits financially' from these measures beyond our regular tax bills which are needed to run the operations of the town. I might note that the interest rate is quite high on these penalties as well.
 
It has also come to my attention, that other Countys in the area have, in fact, enacted some relief measures. My question is: why hasn't Stratford? Why is Stratford still charging its property owners interest and penalties on overdue tax bills? They gave us one month of relief on penalties last April? One month? All that shows is that they acknowledge the need but are unwilling to help in any substantial way. Obviously, it's hard enough just to meet the regular tax bill given the current situation for many of us, so why are we being punished further when so many other organizations and entities have stepped up and are supporting their clients and citizens during Covid? 

I would like to ask that 'late fees' namely interest and penalties, be suspended retroactively since the beginning of the pandemic (last March and excl. April since they already gave us that) and continue until such time as the pandemic is considered under control and people once again have the freedom to move around and do business and otherwise partake in commerce.

So I ask again, please show your support by signing this petition which will be submitted to the City of Stratford Tax Department and the Councillor and Chairman of the Finance Committee, Tom Clifford.

Thank you everyone - together we are strong!