Municipal Accommodations Tax
Councillors in Prince Edward County have approved a start date of the new Municipal Accommodations Tax (MAT).
Earlier this year, council approved enacting a 4% MAT with a June 1 start date, but delayed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Thursday afternoon during their Committee of the Whole meeting at Highline Hall in Wellington, council agreed on a February 1, 2021 start date.
Councillor Bill McMahon wanted to know what staff are doing to collect the MAT from booking platforms (VRBO, HomeAway, Airbnb etc.).
Director of Community Services, Programs and Initiatives Todd Davis said Airbnb will collect the MAT but the funds are transferred as a lump sum and there is no accompanying reporting with the remittance, making it nearly impossible to cross-reference which short-term accomodations have remitted, or the amount.
Davis said staff will continue to work with platforms to see if a mutually agreeable solution can be determined.
The municipality will give 90 days notice to operators prior to the implementation of the MAT.
New garbage provider in Prince Edward County
Residents in Prince Edward County will see bright yellow garbage trucks on the roads beginning in October.
Councillors approved a new solid waste and organic waste collection contract during their Committee of the Whole meeting at Highline Hall in Wellington with Environmental 360 Solutions.
E360S also recently began joint contracts with the City of Belleville and the City of Quinte West.
The contract will begin on October 1 and will end July 31, 2023 with the option to extend services for an additional
two years.
Councillor Phil St-Jean congratulated staff on this new contract, stating it saves them a significant amount of money.
Director of Operations Adam Goheen also noted to council it was part of the contract that E360S have relatively new trucks as he was aware of the mechanical issues the municipality has dealt with in the past.
CAO Marcia Wallace told council they are hoping to undertake an educational campaign to promote at home composting as it is an option for their mostly rural community.
