There's lots to report from town hall. In the second edition of "the Information edge", we've got a refresher on property taxes, the mural grant program, compost for gardeners, and more.
A Quick Refresher on Property Taxes
Early next month, the Town of Yarmouth will send the first of two annual tax bills to property owners. The first bill sent in April is due by May 31st, while the second bill issued in August is due September 30th. Here are some important points to remember about property taxes as bills are issued next month:
• The property tax year covers the fiscal period of April 1st to March 31st.
• The April bill you will receive is an “interim bill” for 60%. The amount is based on your property’s current year taxable assessment (which you should have recently received in the mail), and the last tax rate set by Town Council.
• In August, you will receive a “final bill” that will be the remaining 40%, based on the current year’s taxable assessment, and the new tax rate set by Council. The August bill will also include a garbage fee per dwelling unit.
• The property tax calculation is based on the assessed value of your property, multiplied by the applicable tax rate. The assessed value is the capped market value of the property at the base rate as determined by the Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC), a department of the Nova Scotia Government since 2008. You can learn more about property assessments from their website pvsc.ca
• Change of address – it’s your responsibility to ensure that the correct mailing address is on your property tax account. Where there is more than one owner or more than one address, the Town of Yarmouth will only issue one bill to one address.
For more information on property taxes including current rates, low income and senior rebates, deed transfer taxes, property tax certificates, property tax sales, and more, visit: Taxes and Utilities.
Town of Yarmouth Launches Two Interactive Online Mapping Tools
Two new tools are now available that make it quick and easy to access zoning maps and information, and view the status of ongoing development applications. The new tools can be found on the town’s website, and are designed to make it easy to understand land-use zoning for developers, business owners, and residents. The tools also help make the development process easy to follow by offering information on all development applications being considered by the town.
Your Monthly FYIs for March
Town Hall Reopened! As of March 7th, town hall is again open to the public. Please be advised that COVID-19 prevention measures will remain in place until all provincial public health measures are lifted on March 21st. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing when you visit. We also encourage visitors to continue these practices after March 21st.
Upcoming Council meetings
At the time of this article’s publishing, Council meetings are still being held virtually. Please check our website for updates to the situation. You can watch these meetings live through our website at Agendas, Minutes & Livestream.
- Committee of the Whole Virtual Council Meeting Thursday, March 24th, 3:30 pm
- Regular Town Council Virtual Meeting Thursday, April 14th, 6:30 pm (to be aired on Eastlink Community TV at a later date)
From the Solid Waste Park
Attention gardeners! Class 'A' compost is available for purchase at our compost facility located at 1934 Hardscratch Road (Yarmouth County Solid Waste Park). The price is $25/yd and the quality is amazing. Load up today! If you need more information, please phone 902-742-5220 or 902-742-7525.
From our Development Department
2022 Downtown Mural Grant Program – Applications are still open! Completed application proposals and supporting materials for our mural grant program are due by Thursday, March 31, before 4:00 pm. Send your proposal to the Yarmouth Façade Society by email: yarmouthfacadesociety@gmail.com or by mail/drop off: Town of Yarmouth, 400 Main Street, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia B5A 1G2. Need more info? Visit: Mural Grant Program.
Residents looking to make improvements to their properties this spring can find out what they need to know about permits and more by visiting Development and Building Permits.
If you’re a business/property owner looking to make improvements to your building this spring, be sure to check out our economic incentives at Community Economic Development Grants.
Employment Opportunities
The Town of Yarmouth is accepting applications for the following positions. For complete details and to apply, please visit Employment Opportunities
- Full-time permanent Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. In this challenging and exciting role, the incumbent will be required to undertake wastewater treatment facility operational duties related to the safe and efficient operation of the Yarmouth Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- Seasonal Compost Facility Labourer. Under the supervision of the Compost Facility Supervisor, the successful candidate will be responsible to sort compostable organic material. This includes; food waste; leaf and yard waste; and non-recyclable paper products. Duties will also include some general housekeeping and facility maintenance. The successful candidate will be required to stand during the majority of the shift.
The Information Edge is a monthly column bringing you important news and information from the Town of Yarmouth. This column is printed monthly in the Saltwire publication "The Southwest Wire", and is always available online, including past articles, on this page.