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.
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