Fuchsia Dragon | [email protected]
Jasper鈥檚 mayor has released a video message to explain steps the municipality is taking in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The message, posted to Youtube on April 2, is Richard Ireland鈥檚 third during the global pandemic.
鈥淲e recognise the imperative of the community working together to best position itself to have the strength and capacity to recover,鈥� said Ireland.
鈥淲e encourage all residents and businesses in our community to work with us and each other through this challenging time.鈥�
The municipality is laying off 鈥渁pproximately鈥� 28 out of its 101 positions, mostly due to closed municipal facilities like the activity centre and library.
鈥淭his was a difficult decision,鈥� said Ireland.
鈥淔or those valued employees who will be directly impacted it is, of course, devastating.
鈥淎s an employer we recognise that our most valuable resource is our people - people who have demonstrated commitment to community and to service excellence.鈥�
Council is pushing for a zero per cent property tax increase in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that means looking for more cost-saving measures.
Ireland said that could mean further layoffs and a reduction in services.
Already, capital projects are on hold or cancelled, council has scrapped its trip to Hakone and cancelled all non-essential travel, and pay rates for council and management have been frozen.
鈥淐ouncil and municipal staff are committed to helping our community survive this pandemic and to emerge even stronger and more united,鈥� said Ireland.
Council has deferred penalties for late payment of all municipal property taxes and utility bills until September. During that same period, no water services will be disconnected due to payments in arrears.
鈥淲e recognise that so many businesses and individuals in our community simply do not have the ability to pay,鈥� said Ireland.
鈥淲e are committed to assisting you through this crisis.鈥�
Ireland encouraged residents and businesses owners to keep paying their bills if they are able to, and to pass on deferrals to tenants if possible.
He said: 鈥淲e encourage everyone to assist each other in any way they can, while maintaining requirements of social and physical distancing and following the advice of health professionals.
鈥淲e are all in this together and we will get through it together.鈥�
