Relying on old data to figure out tax bills is a problem according to Chatham-Kent’s top finance official.
At Monday’s planning meeting, Chatham-Kent council heard a report from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) on the current property assessment process in the province.
Property assessments continue to be based on 2016 figures, with new builds and upgrades being taken into consideration. The 2020 assessment was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chatham-Kent’s General Manager, Finance, Budget, Information Technology & Transformation Gord Quinton didn’t shy away from criticizing Ontario’s provincial finance department for continuing to use figures from almost eight years ago.
“It’s getting a little bit ridiculous now, if I can say so,” Quinton said, directing his ire towards the Ministry of Finance.
Quinton said there have been many changes in various tax classes over the past few years.
“They haven’t changed equally, and they haven’t changed equally across Chatham-Kent.”
The province hasn’t indicated when the next assessment will be.
Quinton said when a reassessment takes place, there will be winners and losers.
“Somebody is paying too much and somebody is paying too little and it can’t be fixed until reassessment comes through,” Quinton said.