Residents encouraged to sign up for Smiths Falls e-billing to avoid missed or delayed municipal bills
SMITHS FALLS — With the Canada Post strike affecting mail delivery, the Town of Smiths Falls is looking at alternative ways for residents to receive and pay their municipal bills.
At a committee of the whole meeting on Oct. 6, Paul Dowber, director of corporate services and treasurer, said staff are preparing for possible postal delays that could overlap with upcoming water and tax billing cycles.
“The next round of tax bills will go out at the end of January, so we’ve got some time to see what happens,” Dowber said. “The feeling is that this strike may last a little bit longer than the last two.”
To avoid missed or late payments, the town will extend the due dates for those signing up for Smiths Falls e-billing. Commercial water bills are expected to be issued later this week or early next, while residential water bills will be split in two mailings; one in the week of Oct. 20 and another about 30 days later, in mid-November.
Dowber said the town’s financial system already supports Smiths Falls e-billing and encouraged residents to enrol [through the Online Payment Portal]. Printed statements will still be available at Town Hall for those who prefer paper copies, and ratepayers can also obtain balances by phone and pay through their financial institutions.
Chief administrative officer Malcolm Morris confirmed that, unlike during past postal disruptions, bills will not be hand-delivered this time.
“In previous strikes, the town hand-delivered bills as a courtesy,” Morris said. “That’s not sustainable. We had a stable of students we could deploy then, and we don’t now.”
Coun. Dawn Quinn applauded the shift to electronic billing but urged staff to keep the process simple for those less familiar with technology.
Dowber said staff will continue helping residents set up Smiths Falls e-billing at the front counter.
“We’re trying to make sure everyone can get their bill and has an opportunity to pay on time,” he said.
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