HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-12-04, Page 7Wednesday, December 4, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 7
Lambton Shores staff feel phased In assessment working
Lynda HIllman-Rapley
Lambton Shores council are being
asked to deny the request to lobby
the Province to
change their method of Assess-
ment as requested by a ratepayer.
In a report to council, treasurer
Janet Ferguson addresses a request
from Bob Sharen that council solicit
support to change the method in
which property assessment
increases are being phased -in, dur-
ing the four-year assessment cycle.
Ferguson explains that in the 2007
Provincial Budget, a four year reas-
sessment cycle was introduced. The
first reassessment in this four- year
cycle occurred in 2008 and updated
all property values in Ontario. The
process of updating assessments on
all properties in Ontario is to
reflect their value as of a date speci-
fied by the Province.
Beginning in 2009, eligible
increases in current value assess-
ment were phased in over a four
year span. This reassessment was
based on property values as of Janu-
ary 1st, 2008 and applied to the taxa-
tion years 2009, 2010, 2011, and
2012.
The current reassessment is based
on property values as of January 1st,
2012 with increases in assessed val-
ues to be distributed equally across
to the taxation years 2013, 2014,
2015, and 2016. Where a property's
current market value (CVA) has
been reduced as a result of reassess-
ment, the new, lower CVA is set in
the first of the four -year cycle.
At the Council meeting of Octo-
ber 3rd, Sharen submitted a tetter to
Council for consideration. Council
directed the 'Treasurer to arrange 0
meeting with hint to clarify and dis-
cuss his concerns. Treasury staff
met with Sharen 011 Friday, October
11th, and concluded while they do
his concern, they explained their
position.
"Mr. Sharen is of the opinion that
by utilizing the total dollar value of
increased assessment in the 1 st year,
staff would only have to explain the
dynamic relationship between the
assessment, expenses and tax rates
once every 4 year cycle. Further,
he suggests that Council should
establish the tax amount required
from the previous yeuI and add the
approved percentage to the tax
requirement:. says Ferguson.
„The phased in approach to
assessment increases gradually
adjusts the value of property to
reflect the current market value and
was designed to mitigate the impact
of increases over a period of time
rather than an adjustment every 4
years. Regardless of the please In
approach, the property owner has
the option of filing a request to
have their assessment reviewed on
1111 annual basis. The phasing -in of
assessment increases has no
significant impact on the work atilt.
Finance Department with respect to
calculating annual tax billings. With
the exception of Mr. Sharon, staff
has not received any negative feed-
back on the assessment phase-in
method. "
Ferguson reiterated 111411 staff have
not received complaints regarding
the phased in approach component
of the assessment. "Further, staff
feels the phase in approach miti-
gates spikes in assessment changes
and possible costs to property own-
ers. 'Therefore, staff recommends
that the request to urge the Province
to discontinue the phase-in
method of assessment be denied. "
this will tome to council'Ihttt•sday.
Lynda HIllman-Replay
Wassailing season
The Huron Country Playhouse Guild
held their annual Wassail at the Grand
Bend Legion last week. The beautifully
decorated hall was enhanced by great
food and fellowship before the busy
Christmas season commences.
SAVE UP TO 74°/a! DECEMBER 3RD TO 8T"!
71 % OFF! Our 12pc Canadlana Cookware set is made from 18/10 stainless
'steel and features an impact bonded base that's safe for all stovetops of modern kitchens,
including induction. Durable riveted handles, no -drip lips, oven and dishwasher safe, the
Canadlana is built to last and we stand bgJInd It with our exceptional 25 year warranty.
Sot Includes: 1.5L, 2L, 3L saucepans, 6.5L Dutch oven, 2.5L steamer,
3L saute pan, 24cm/9.5" ceramic non-stick frying pan,
and 5 covers. list: $949.99.
$26999
72% OFF!
42cm stainless stool
mulls -roaster with rack
and bonus poultry
lacer and baster
list $3b999.
$9999
51% OFF!
Nonstick paling
& Santoku knife
set In red or
yellow
List. $2&99.
$1.299
65% OFF!
20pc Souris
flatware sot 11j1 11/11
List. $99.99
I I
'1 $34 99 LI
UP TO 70% OFF! Avonlea fry pans feature one of the
world's toughest triple -layer non-stick coatings and are
completely PFOA I rue 20crni8" Avonlea fry pan.
list $129 99 Now $39.$$
24cin,9'a' Avonlea fry pan
List. $149.99. Now $44.$11
28cm/11' Avonlea fry pan. I r
Lest: H¢999. New $6$.$$
411
66% OFF! 32crunon-stick.,..,
stainless steel wok with,
glassislatnloss Ind.
list' $209 99
70% OFF! IL Roseberry
teapot $13499.
$6999
$3999
DECEMBER 3"" TO 8" ONLY AT:
EXETER
MacLean Home Hardware
110 Main St. N.
GRAND BEND
Grand Bend Homo Hardware Building Centro
fill# 1, 70948 Blue Water 11wy.
I'AI1f.RN(
tiv
Information & dealers: 1.800-A NEW -POT or www.paderno.com. Not all Iocations open Sunday. Quantities limited, please be early. Salo Items may not be exactly as shown.