Whereas in 2023, Association of Municipalities Ontario (with industry partners) began advocating for a timely return to the assessment cycle given that outdated assessments can be inaccurate, increase volatility, and are not fully transparent; and
Whereas a result of this advocacy was a letter from the Minster of Finance Office, Peter Bethlenfalvy stating that a review of the property assessment and taxation system would be conducted and therefore reassessment would be deferred until such review was completed; and
Whereas to date no further information has been provided on a potential reassessment or findings on the review of the system.
Now Therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the Town of Essex direct Administration to send a letter to the local MPP office, MPAC representatives and the office of the Minister of Finance, with AMO included for receipt, requesting a status update on the property taxation and assessment review and timelines for the introduction of the next reassessment cycle.