Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you healthy and safe during these challenging times. Among the many blessings I have, including my own health and that of my family, I feel fortunate to live surrounded by all of you. We are a great community and we will emerge from this crisis with renewed strength and resolve to do all we can to help those in need and support one another no matter what the challenge.
This coming Monday, April 6 at 7pm, is the City Council's first meeting in the new Council year. Traditionally, called Organization Day, the new and newly elected City Councilors will be sworn into office, the Mayor will give his State of the City Address and we will have the election of Council President and the members of the Board of Finance.
Normally, we do not engage in any formal Council business. But, as we all know, these times we are living in are anything but normal. At our March 23 meeting, we passed a resolution regarding an emergency response to COVID-19. Included in this resolution was a report back from the CAO regarding property tax and Business Personal Property tax payments for the June payment. This Monday evening, we will be voting on a resolution regarding the waiver of penalties and interest on the June 12, 2020 property tax payment in addition to information on the Business Personal Property tax payment that is paid by some Burlington businesses.
In addition, due to the expected delays in collection of taxes and other revenues and additional expenses due to COVID-19, we will be voting on the issuance of Tax Anticipation Notes not to exceed $20 million for FY20 and into FY21 which begins July 1, 2020. Tax Anticipation Notes are short-term instruments that can be effectively rolled over (i.e. refinanced). Given the City's strong credit rating, they are issued at a low cost to the City. This will allow us to extend to taxpayers in need the ability to defer payment of their taxes and hopefully ease the financial strain this crisis is causing for many in our community.
The City Council meeting will be entirely virtual. There are several ways to tune in
1. CCTV YouTube Channel or on Burlington Telecom Channel 317.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJkWMLSqRNKLoyUZQiNoAcQ
2. Join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/840788956
Please use this option if you wish to speak on public forum.
3. Call in for audio only:
Phone number: 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 840 788 956
If you wish to speak on Public Forum, please fill out this web form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPage.aspx#FormId=btuQAnXET0y2LcxhLRiPq8YY5hxI5plCsDVp5p[...]y4u
The Zoom username or phone number information is required. This is how we will identify you to "un-mute" your line for the duration of your public comment.
We hope you will join us virtually for this important meeting.
I hope you have a good weekend. Please keep in mind that the parks are open for recreating while distancing as well as the City's walking trails, bike path and waterfront park.
As always, I welcome your questions and concerns so please be in touch.
My best,
Karen
Oct 27, 2024, 4 PM
AARP Tax-Aide OpportunityOct 29, 2024, 3 to 4:30 PM
NAMI VT's Together for Mental Health ConferenceOct 30, 2024, 8 AM to 4 PM