The Board of Aldermen will meet at 5 p.m. tonight to discuss extending the deadline for this quarter's property taxes, which falls tomorrow.
Shortly after the meeting was announced, Treasurer Wendy Wilton sent out the following:
Rutland City Treasurer and Tax Collector Wendy Wilton will extend the due date for property taxes until September 30, 2011 for the first quarter due to issues created by tropical storm Irene. The normal due date by City charter is Wednesday, August 31, for the first quarterly payment. Any payments received after 5 pm, Friday, September 30 will be charged a 5% penalty. The Treasurer feels that extending the date by a month for those taxpayers who have been faced with extenuating circumstances relating to jobs, travel, mail delivery and property concerns will be helpful for those affected. The extension of the due date will not significantly affect the financial condition of the City as majority of the first quarter property tax has already been paid as of Tuesday, August 30.
There seems to be some disagreement about who has the authority to alter the deadline or waive the penalties, but Board of Aldermen President David Allaire says everyone seems to be on the same page about what should be done, if not who should do it.