CITY HALL> FinanceWho We Are | Annual Reports | Business Licences | Cemetery Services | Budgets | Property Taxes | Utility Billings | Who we are and what we doThe Finance Department manages municipal funds and investments, produces annual financial statements, leads the process of preparing the financial plan and performs all financial services within the City. The department is accountable for the safekeeping of municipal assets and is also responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, maintaining records of tickets and fines, utility billing and tax collection, and for securing all goods and services required by the City. Cemetery services are also provided through the Finance Department. The Finance Department plans and provides timely and accurate financial information to facilitate the decision-making needs of Council, senior management, and external stakeholders. Annual ReportsEvery year the City of Quesnel prepares an Annual Report that provides the City’s financial statements, strategic priorities for the coming year and an update on the past year’s activities. The philosophy behind annual reporting is that providing citizens with better information makes for better government. Council now has the opportunity to tell their citizens what they are planning to do, how they intend to do it, and their progress towards it. The Annual Report must be prepared and presented to Council by June 30 of each year and available for public inspection at least 14 days before the report is considered by Council. The 2012 Annual Report is available here. Business LicencesThe annual Business Licences are due and payable January 31 in any given year. Business Licence renewals are normally mailed out in the middle of January. All business licence applicants (either new applicants or those making changes to existing licenses) must fill in the form below. Download your Business Licence Application form Quesnel And District CemeteryThe Quesnel and District Cemetery is located in a quiet setting along the Quesnel-Hixon Road, north of the City's downtown and Two Mile Flat areas. Well-manicured lawns and trees mingle with grave markers to provide a respectful and restful place for those who have gone on before us. To view a map of the cemetery, To view a photo map of the cemetery, (Please note: These maps are updated quartely. Some plots that show as available may no longer be so.) For more information or to reserve a plot in the cemetery, please call the Finance Department at 250.992.2111. Pioneer Cemetery BudgetsThe City of Quesnel completes a five-year financial plan, which is updated every year, to ensure responsible money management that relates directly to the priorities identified by the community. For information on the Budget 2013 process, click here. The Director of Finance and Supervisor of Corporate Services coordinate the City’s five-year Financial Plan process, analyze department budget information, prepare non-departmental revenue estimates, assemble the budget document and provide overview, financial monitoring, and reporting once the budget is adopted. The Director of Finance assists department heads in identifying budget problems and formulating solutions. Steps in Developing a Financial Plan:
Having a Financial Plan:
Property TaxesYour individual property taxes are tied directly to your property assessment. The higher your assessment, the more property taxes you pay. Likewise, any tax increase is also tied directly to your property assessment’s percentage increase. The following factors affect your tax bill:
To find out more about your tax bill, contact the Finance Department. PROPERTY TAXES ARE DUE TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2013 BEFORE 4:30 P.M. LOCAL TIME A 10% penalty will be added to 2013 current property taxes outstanding after July 2, 2013. These penalties are a requirement of the Local Government Act. The City has no authority to waive or modify these penalty amounts. A payment that is one day late is subject to the same penalty as a payment that is 6 months late. You can reduce your penalties by claiming your Homeowner Grant even if you are not making a payment on your taxes. Unclaimed Grants are considered outstanding taxes. The last day to claim your Homeowner Grant at City Hall is December 31, 2013. Interest will begin to accumulate effective January 1, 2014. After December 31, 2013, your Retroactive Homeowner Grant request must be sent to the Province of British Columbia through our offices. Visit City Hall with your driver's licence and Care Card and complete the necessary form. As it requires approval by the Homeowner Grant Branch in Victoria, BC, please be prepared to provide at least two additional samples of proof of residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement. Click here to learn more about your property tax notice. If Your Property Taxes Are Paid by a Mortgage Company/Financial Institution It is the sole responsibility of the property owner to complete the Homeowner Grant application every year (if eligible). You must submit your application to City Hall in person or by mail by the due date in order to avoid penalties. You can claim your Homeowner Grant as soon as you receive your tax notice - you do not have to wait until the due date. Your mortgage company is advised of property taxes payable only and not any unpaid water or sewer levies for the current year. Property Tax Deferment Programs The Property Tax Deferment is a low interest loan program administered by the Province of BC that assists qualifying BC homeowners in paying the annual property taxes on their homes. Certain conditions must be met in order for a tax deferment application to be approved. For an application form or for more information on eligibility, access the Property Tax Deferment website at ... link to: http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Property_Taxes/property_taxes.htm Tax Deferment Application Forms are available at City Hall. To apply for a new Tax Deferment please send the completed application form and your completed and signed Homeowner Grant application to the City of Quesnel (see contact information to your right). All property taxes and utilities invoiced up to March 31st of the current year must be paid in full. Avoiding Long Line-ups Here are some options that will eliminate having to wait in line on tax and utility due dates. Avoid the line, go online Post Dated Cheques You can pay your taxes with a post dated cheque to the tax due date. This will allow City staff time to check your payment and Homeowner Grant Application. Staff can notify you prior to the due date if there are any issues with your payment or grant application. The payment is not processed or deposited in the bank until the date of the cheque. Payment Drop Box There is a payment drop box located at the front entrance of the building. Place your cheque and/or Homeowner Grant in an envelope and drop it in the box. Your payments will be processed promptly each morning (Monday to Friday). UTILITY BILLINGSThe City of Quesnel provides water and sewer services to residential, commercial and industrial properties. For more information on utility due dates and discounts, contact the Finance Department. |
GENERAL INQUIRIES250.992.2111 CONTACTSKari Bolton, Director of Corporate and Financial Services Pam Robertson, Corporate Services Supervisor LOCATION Main Floor, City Hall BUSINESS HOURS8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) |
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