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Government. I am informed by the Area Assessor, however, that their

staff is three less than the total staffs that existed when the three

assessment departments were merged.

In summary it would appear that most of the problems that have occ.rred

have been problems of transition and have been ironed out as they onrcurred.
The local Assessment Office has been helpful and co-operative in ensuring

the transition has been as smooth as possible. We are missing some

services previously enjoyed when the Assessment Department was "in

house", i.e. appraisals, local improvements, etc., however, it would

appear that the assessment function is still being carried out efficiently.

I sincerely hope that the problems in the central data processing department
are ironed out and that they realize the importance of this basic information

to the municipalities. We do not want to have to.audit the Roll every

year to ensure that there are no parcels missing and also we require the

information on the deadlines set out in the Municipal Act. In general,

I think everyone feels that it was more convenient having the Assessment
Department under our own jurisdiction, and there are still some misgivings
until the central data processing system is in full operation, however,

we have adapted to the new system with a minimum of inconvenience.

L.D. Pollock

LDP/w
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