This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot 5ce6202c1196 · verified 2026-06-05 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
1
POLICY # 2018-03-47
MUNICIPALITY OF THE COUNTY OF PICTOU
FIRE DEPARTMENT AREA RATE POLICY
1. Purpose
a.
To provide uniform guidelines for the approval of area rates levied for fire
protection services within the Municipality.
b.
To provide an accountability framework for the expenditure of tax dollars
raised through an area rate.
2. Legal
a.
In accordance with Part 4 Section 75 of the Municipal Government Act Area
Rates and Uniform Charges.
b.
In accordance with Part 10 Section 296 of the Municipal Government Act
policies relating to fire departments.
3. Definitions
a.
Chief Administrative Officer means the Chief Administrative Officer of the
Municipality.
b.
Commercial property has the same meaning as in the Assessment Act;
c.
Council means the council of the Municipality;
d.
Emergency services means services related to the provision of emergency
services, including fire services, emergency medical services, search and
rescue, water rescue and assistance and protection for people and property
in the event of disasters including, but not limited to floods, hurricanes,
motor vehicle accidents and chemical spills;
e.
Fire services means services related to the prevention and suppression of
fires;
f.
Fiscal year means the period from April 1st in one year to March 31st in the
following year, including both dates;
f.
Fire department means an incorporated body that provides fire services and
that may, at its option, provide one or more other emergency services, and
2
includes a fire or emergency services department of a municipality, village,
fire protection district or other body corporate;
h.
Residential property has the same meaning as in the Assessment Act;
i.
Resource property has the same meaning as in the Assessment Act.
4. Area Rates
a.
Each fire department shall recommend to Council an annual area rate to be
levied on properties for which it provid3es fire services and or emergency
services.
b.
The fire department may establish different rates for residential/resource
and commercial properties.
c.
All area rates approved by the Council during the fiscal year 2017/18 shall
remain in effect until changed by resolution of Council.
d.
A fire department wishing to adjust its area rate for the next fiscal year shall
notify the Chief Administrative Officer or their member of Council of its
intention to adjust the rate by February 28th of the preceding fiscal year.
e.
The fire department applying to the Municipality for an adjustment to the
area rate shall:
i. Hold a public meeting to discuss the purpose for which the
change in area rate is required and to provide information
to the residents of the need for the adjustment.
ii. The public meeting may be a district ratepayers meeting if
the fire department is contained within one electoral district
of the Municipality.
iii. The fire department shall provide the district with at least 14
days advance notice of the meeting.
iv. Notice is deemed to have been provided if the department:
1. advertises in the local media;
2. posts posters in a minimum of three public places
within the district or;
3. by direct mail to the district.
3
v. All ratepayers present at the meeting shall be entitled to
cast a vote expressing their approval or disapproval for the
change in the area rate.
vi. Ballots may be cast by way of secret ballot or an open vote
as determined by the majority at the meeting.
5. Accountability & Reporting
a.
All departments shall be required to submit annual financial information to
the Municipality detailing all revenue and expenditures.
i.
The Municipality may provide a standardized form to be
completed by the fire department.
b.
The fire department shall file the report within 60 days of the end of their
operational year.
c.
The Municipality may, it its expense, request an independent audit of a fire
department.
d.
The fire departments shall make their records available for inspection upon
written request of the Municipality.
e.
Failure for a fire department to comply with the provisions of the policy may
result in funding being withheld by the Municipality.
6. Repeal
All former policies and/or practices with respect to fire department area rates are
hereby repealed.