Medicine Hat residents mailed property assessment notices

In Alberta, the property assessment system is based on the regulations within the Municipal Government Act to ensure a fair and defensible system that supports an equitable distribution of municipal taxes.

Property assessments in the City of Medicine Hat are based on the market value of each property as of July 1 the previous year, and the condition of the property as of Dec. 31 of the previous year.

Legislation allows property owners 60 days from the Notice of Assessment date to review and discuss any concerns with the city’s assessment department.

There are a few properties in Medicine Hat the city said will experience a significant tax bump.

Those residents will receive extra communication from the assessment staff, finance director Lola Barta said.

“Any property owners that have a 25 per cent increase in their assessment value will also receive a letter with their assessment notice just explaining the reasons why,” Barta told CHAT News.

“Any property customers that have an increase of 30 per cent or more they will actually receive a phone call from our assessment department to discuss the reassessment.”

Assessments can change when there’s been changes such as an add-on to a house, like a rental unit.

by Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

Medicine Hat residents mailed property assessment notices

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