In January of 2005, as a result of negotiations and discussions between the Province and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (UNSM), the Province appointed an Interim Assessment Management Board made up of predominantly municipal representatives. For a period of 18 months the Board will assume responsibility for decisions affecting the ongoing and effective delivery of property assessment services in Nova Scotia. The Board is also mandated to make recommendations to the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, as to the preferred option of the delivery of Assessment Services.

Since April 2001, Assessment Services has operated on a cost-recovery basis, with 100% of its budget paid for by municipalities. As part of its quest to identify better ways to deliver property assessment services in Nova Scotia, the Department hired external consultants to evaluate alternative governance models for property assessment. The consultants’ report recommended that assessment services be delivered by one entity that is outside the direct operational control of the provincial government. The report also recommends that the Province maintain responsibility for legislative standards necessary for the separation of tax policy and tax administration.

Please see terms of reference and membership for more information.