THE ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL TAX COLLECTORS OF ONTARIO

Meeting The Challenges Of The Next Decade
The Most Recent Property TAX Changes
Brand New Resources Available

Message From The President

Chris Heersink
President

President’s Message

Well it certainly has been an interesting year. Reassessment has taken place and for the first time ever these new assessments are being phased-in over a four-year period. On top of that, Ontario has been hit with a recession which has seen property values drop in most areas. This has led to taxpayer's questioning the values of their properties based on current market prices while their destination values as of January 1, 2008 are somewhat higher in some areas.

MPAC has been facing similar changes to their assessment system that municipalities faced in 1998 when Current Value Assessment, Capping and optional phased-in tax increases were introduced.

To say that there have been some bumps in the road would be an understatement, however, looking at the big picture overall things have gone somewhat smoothly. There are still some glitches to be ironed out but I'm sure we will all be able to overcome these in time. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day either!

AMTCO is always evolving. Your executive has worked hard to bring this association to the forefront as the "go to" body regarding property taxation matters. Over the past year we participated in various Ministry focus groups in addition to participating in MFOA workshops and putting some of the initiatives from our Strategic Plan into motion.

I am proud and honoured to once again represent you as the President of this association for the 2009-2010 term. I look forward to working with the various ministries as well as other associations to further cement our working relationships.

I would like to welcome back the returning executive members of the Board. I also welcome our new Board members. All of these individuals bring forth their expertise to provide the best possible service to you, our members. These people are extremely dedicated and knowledgeable individuals and I am humbled to be part of such an extraordinary team.

Remember this is your association! Your ideas and participation are not only welcomed but also sought after and appreciated. We will continue to strive to incorporate the initiatives identified in our strategic plan to include as many members as possible in Special Committees that we may set up throughout the year and as well as invite participation during our seminar and conference. Please consider becoming involved in a Committee or event if approached. You will find that it can be a rewarding experience where your opinions are not only valued but sought after.

I thank you for your confidence in me to lead AMTCO through the next year. I would also like to thank the City of Peterborough for allowing me to be part of this great association.

Chris


2009-2010 AMTCO Executive 2009-2010 AMTCO Executive Front Row: Maureen Zabiuk; Chris Heersink; Alison Hughes; Ken Hughes Middle Row: Susan Howard; Connie Mesih; Patti Atkinson Back Row: Tim Dwyre; Erica Roberts; Wendelin Perreault; Tony Derro; Janet Battersby; Rebecca Webb

	To bring those persons in the Municipal field of tax collecting into helpful association with each other so that through improved relations, united effort, participation and involvement promote their professional knowledge and general interests.
	To promote improved standards of ethics and efficiency in tax collection methods, procedures and to consider, resolve and recommend amendments to any Provincial Acts which may improve the tax billing and collection administration.
	To encourage submissions and disseminate information of interest to its members for their consideration, application and discussion of laws and practices relating to all matters connected with the profession of Municipal Tax Collectors by bulletins, conferences and meetings.
	To encourage and assist in the development of educational training programs for collection personnel.
	To co-operate with all other municipal associations, technical groups and all levels of Government and committees for the purpose of improving standards and practices as they relate to the billing and collection administration.
	To foster good public relations.
	To do such other lawful things as are coincidental or conducive to the attainment of the above aims and objectives.

We are going to publish Taxing Matters on a regular basis. Past issues are available. Click on the link to the left. If you have questions, please email amtco@sympatico.ca and we will attempt to answer them.