SASKATOON -- Saskatoon city administration recommends suspending utility disconnections and late payment charges on all utility accounts until Sept. 30 to help customers who may not be able to afford to pay their bill during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"By suspending late payment charges, utility customers will be in a position to choose whether they are able to delay payments for utility services without negative financial impact," says a report to Thursday’s Special Meeting of Council.

"However, civic staff will continue to work with the City’s utility customers regarding payment arrangements so not to leave them in a difficult financial situation in the future. Delaying disconnections will also ensure that all homes have access to water, allowing for proper handwashing and personal hygiene."

Administration also recommends allowing property owners until Sept. 30 to pay their property tax bill without incurring any penalties on their 2020 taxes.

In addition, the city would defer lead pipe replacement costs on participating property owners' bills to 2021.

Not charging late payment charges for utility arrears until Sept. 30 is estimated to cost $120,000. The three-month penalty-free period for property taxes is estimated to cost $500,000.

Council approved the recommendations and asked that parking enforcement on residential streets be suspended. Paid parking in the downtown and business districts will still be enforced.

Meanwhile, Saskatoon Transit will suspend fares indefinitely, according to city spokesperson Mark Rogstad.

Riders are asked to get on and off buses by using the rear doors and keep a safe distance - at least one metre - from bus operators and fellow riders, he said.