HomeMy WebLinkAboutADMIN 27-814
CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT D.N. SMITH, M.C.I.P., Director
HAMPTON, ONTARIO LOBIJO TEL. (416)2632231
REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING
OF OCTOBER 26, 1981.
REPORT NO.: 27-81
SUBJECT: Proposed revision to the Municipal
Enumeration System.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is respectfully recommended that:
1. This report be received for information.
BACKGROUND:
The Ministry of Revenue has recently announced plans to
eliminate enumeration in non -election years. The Minister has
suggested that this move is consistent with two stated government
objectives, deregulation and improved customer service.
In his letter of September 3rd., 1981 (attached), the Minister
states that by moving to enumeration in election years only, sub-
stantial funds will be redeployed to improve direct services to
municipalities and school boards. The Minister claims that the
new system will offer improved service, reduce assessment appeals
and have no detrimental effect on providing the preliminary list
of electors, the processing of resource equilization grants and
the preparation of school support lists.
- 2 - Report No. 27 -81
COMMENTS:
Staff have reviewed the proposed changes to the enumeration
system and feel that some aspects of the proposed system could
simplify and streamline certain town functions. Although it is
difficult to relate the proposed four (4) year assessment cycle
directly to the facilitation of long range planning, as the Minister's
letter suggests, the proposed system would however be a significant
improvement in terms of keeping assessment in tune with Market
Values. This move, along with increased opportunities for public
involvement should shorten the appeal period and reduce the number
of assessment appeals.
Given the present and likely levels of growth in the near
future, staff agree that the proposed system will not adversely
affect the allocation of the per capita and Resource Equalization
Grants. However, should rapid growth occur, there may be some
difficulty ensuring equitable treatment on this account.
When considered from a land use and policy planning point
of view staff do not feel that the proposed changes would seriously
hinder the ability of the Town to carry out planning activities.
The demographic and other information normally used for preparing
population projections and monitoring growth, need not be provided
every year for most purposes.
Respectfully submitted,
D. N. Smith, M.C.I.P.,
FA:cc Town Administrator.
October 13, 1981.