Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Update Village Conference September 2010 Bible Hill

SNSMR Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations is a large diverse Department Our Mission Statement: To provide Nova Scotians with seamless, easy access to government information and numerous services in a cost- effective manner while maintaining the interests of the public and by working with municipalities to build strong communities throughout the province. Municipal Services is a division within the Department

Municipal Services Division Organization

Overview 33 Staff $168 Million dollars –contributions to Municipal government Advice/Assistance/Advocacy

Dreaded Words We are from the Province We are here to help!

What Kind Of Assistance Financial –Infrastructure programs Assistance with By-law approval –Subject to Ministerial Approval Special Problems –Gas pipeline taxation First point of contact –Municipal Advisors

What do Municipal Advisors do?

Nova Scotia Municipal Advisors Three Municipal Advisors for Nova Scotia Province divided into three territories Each has a Regional Municipality, towns, rural municipalities and villages –3 Regional Municipalities –52 Municipalities –22 Villages

Duties Provide advice to: –Regional municipalities –Towns –Rural municipalities –Villages –Boards and Commissions –Minister of SNSMR –Government of Nova Scotia –Public

Duties Provide advice on: –Local governance –Administration –Budgeting –Finance –Accounting –Auditing –Management –Anything else that may arise

ISSUES

Issues: CAP Program Limits increase in assessments to CPI for eligible residential/resource properties Commitment to review program in 2010 Review underway; to be completed by end of year Village input – your preferred method? –Written submissions to All input will be brought back for Government’s consideration

Issues: Expenditure Management Initiative (EMI) Government has committed to “Return to Balance” by EMI comprehensive review of Department, Agencies and 3rd party spending –Determine opportunities for saving –60% of government expenditures are to 3 rd party –Will not be immune

Issues:Canso Dissolution Town of Canso has stated that it intends to apply to UARB for Dissolution Province has appointed a coordinator to assist with documentation, due diligence, etc. Want to have a smooth transition which benefits all citizens.

Issues: Infrastructure

Pipeline Section 11 of the Gas Distribution System Municipal Taxation Act (2004) states that municipalities may provide a share of taxation revenues with villages. ANSV requested the legislation wording be changed from may to shall. No pipelines currently run through any villages but recognize potential for this to occur Villages’ concerns have been incorporated into the review, which is near completion

Issue: Village Report Was good work but a bit stale Has not been significant MGA amendments for a while May be time – should review paper One large review session –Department/Village Administrators