Richmond Hill Appoints New Integrity Commissioner

The City of Richmond Hill has appointed Investigation Counsel P.C., as represented by Norman J. Groot, as its new Integrity Commissioner effective December 23, 2019. The Integrity Commissioner's duties include providing impartial, third party, professional advice to Council and responding to any compliance issues and matters relating to their ethical responsibilities and obligations under the Council Code of Conduct. Under the Municipal Act, 2001all municipalities are required to appoint an Integrity Commissioner to promote accountability and transparency between Members of Council and the public. Richmond Hill has retained the services of an Integrity Commissioner since 2010. For more information, please contact Stephen M.A. Huycke, Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk at stephen.huycke@richmondhill.ca or 905-771-2529.

Richmond Hill to Accept Online Credit Card Property Tax Payments

Council approved a new level of service for property tax bills – online payment by credit card. Currently the City accepts payment for property tax through internet banking, pre-authorized debit, cheque, debit card, cash and from mortgage companies administering taxes on behalf of mutual clients. Previously Richmond Hill did not accepted credit cards as a payment option due to the transaction cost and a lack of electronic infrastructure to facilitate the transaction. In 2020, Richmond Hill will contract Paymentus (Canada) Corporation to accept online credit card payments for property tax on behalf of Richmond Hill.  Paymentus will charge a convenience fee of 2.5 per cent of the tax payment amount, which will be paid by the payer (the property holder). Once there is a completed agreement between the City and Paymentus, the online system will be put in place and residents can pay their property tax online using Visa or Mastercard, beginning with the March 2, 2020 interim tax bill installment. For more information, please contact Cedric Stone, Manager, Revenue Services at cedric.stone@richmondhill.ca or 905-771-5432.

2020 Council Meeting Schedule Approved

Council approved its 2020 meeting schedule. Council meetings are generally scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Council Public meetings are generally scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The first meetings of 2020 will take place on Wednesday, January 22. Meeting dates are posted to the City’s website RichmondHill.ca. Dates and times are subject to change. For more information, please contact Stephen M.A. Huycke, Director of Legislative Services/City Clerk at stephen.huycke@richmondhill.ca or 905-771-2529.

The next Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 22 at 9:30 a.m. in Council Chambers.