The deadline is fast approaching for municipal water and tax relief — yet County Foundation President Dominque Jones is worried many have yet to apply.
Ms. Jones says the Foundation, which funds the grant program, normally gets over 500 eligible applications. so far this year it has received just 400 — a 20% drop.
The income threshold, the line below which an owner or renter can apply for the funds, is approximately $32,000 for single-income households, or $64,000 for double-income.
She wonders if perhaps more households in PEC are coming in above that threshold. That could be the result of recent wage gains, or demographic shifts, as more people leave the County for more affordable regions.
Or if perhaps the application, sent with property and water bills, just got lost in the stresses of daily life. “We know the margins are getting slimmer and slimmer for lower-income households,” she says. She notes that the municipality gives out even more support for households that see less than $20,000 per year. Those are eligible for further top up credits.
Qualifying households can apply for relief on their water and property tax bills. The deadline is July 15.
There are two separate streams. Residents can choose either water bill relief, or property tax relief.
Tenants who pay for water/wastewater services, and who earn $32,240/year or less (for single occupants), or $64,480/year or less (for multiple occupants) before deductions can apply for a credit of $350 toward their water bill.
Households that earn $20,000/year or less would receive a $500 credit toward their water bill.
Property owners who pay municipal tax on their primary residence in Prince Edward County. Applicants who earn $32,240/year or less (for single occupants), or $64,480/year or less (for multiple occupants) before deductions can apply for a credit of $750 toward their property taxes.
Households that earn $20,000/year or less would receive a $1,000 credit toward their property taxes.
For more information, please see The County Foundation’s website, and look under: Municipal Financial Relief Grant. Applications are due July 15, 2024.
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