Property Tax Cap to Come Off?

From the Chronicle Herald

Property assessment cap may come off
Jennex: Province reviewing issues facing municipalities
By MICHAEL LIGHTSTONE City Hall Reporter
Sat. Nov 7 - 4:46 AM
The Dexter government intends to review some key issues facing Nova Scotia’s municipalities, including the cap on property assessments.

Ramona Jennex, minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, told municipal leaders in Halifax on Friday that she’s well aware they are not happy with the tax cap.

At its annual convention this week, the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities released findings from its municipal assessment review committee.

"The cap actually shifted the property tax burden from higher-assessed properties to lower-assessed properties," a union release said.

The group, which represents 55 municipalities, is proposing a low-income property tax relief policy.

In an address to UNSM delegates, Ms. Jennex said her office plans to examine the group’s information in 2010.

"Once the full review has been completed, a decision will be made on how to proceed with the cap," she said.

Ms. Jennex said other things being looked at include the municipalities’ collection of fines, the handling of agricultural issues, the municipal equalization program and the province’s Municipal Government Act.

Proposed amendments to the act are coming, Ms. Jennex said.

"This government will be considering changes to the (act) in full consultation and collaboration with municipalities and the UNSM," she said.

"Once I’ve had an opportunity to hear from you, and my staff have had the opportunity to examine your requested changes, we will be bringing an amendment package forward."

The minister also championed the benefits of immigration in Nova Scotia, saying new arrivals can help boost the local economy and provide for a more diverse society.

Ms. Jennex told the delegates she’s planning a fact-finding tour of the province. She said the NDP government wants "a strong and positive relationship" with Nova Scotia’s municipalities.

The UNSM conference wraps up today.

( mlightstone@herald.ca)