Skagwegians who were worried about facing high penalties for late payment of taxes by September 1 has been granted leeway with the passage of Ordinance 20-17 on August 26. With the introduction of the new ordinance, the property tax delinquency date would be alerted to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The ordinance was brought into life by Assemblymember Orion Hanson. According to Hanson, past municipality code tied to state statute brought about a 20% fine on late payment in addition to a 15% compounding rate, making the total 35%.

"We understand that the city needs taxes to take care of certain things, but a 35% penalty rate is a bit too much. I, for one, I find that inappropriate," Hanson said.

Finance Chair Steve Burnham called for the special meeting last month, so the second reading and potential adjustments could take place before the property tax penalties come into play.

After passing Ordinance 20-17, the assembly gave the green light to Resolution 20-35R, which made changes to property tax delinquency dates. The new dates are.

• • September 2021 is the Delinquency date for 2020 property taxes
• • January 1, 2025, is Delinquency date for 2021 property taxes
• • The delinquency date for 2022 property taxes and subsequent years returns to September 1 of the year the assessment is made.

Property owners will be sent a notice in the coming weeks

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