The RM of Rosedale Council sat as a Board of Revision this month to hear a property assessment appeal from a constituent. Other significant issues at the October meeting were around housing needs in the municipality, planning decisions, and staffing. The annual tax sale was also held, but drew no bidders.

Properties in Manitoba are reassessed every two years and in most cases the sales comparison approach is used to determine the property’s value based on recent, valid sales within its neighbourhood. Assessments can increase when improvements are made to the property and the value of that improvement is not necessarily based on the cost of materials used to make it.

That was the question at the heart of the appeal made. The Council went 'in camera' to discuss it following presentations from both the constituent and representatives from Assessment Services. The appeal affects only the assessment on municipal taxes and will not influence any future assessments of the property.

Council also reevaluated their participation in Valley Life, a seniors housing partnership. A recent survey indicated little interest within the Rosedale area at this time. The general consensus within Council was that there is a need for housing in the area but they should formalize a commitment to housing through a strategic plan to ensure it will meet the actual needs of the municipality.

In planning matters, Council reviewed a request to amend a conditional use order to allow the construction of an additional building on a property that houses a repair business and the storage of an additional automobile on it. This was in order to bring its current state into compliance with the paperwork. There have been no complaints about the business or property and Council was in favour of the change, though they did ensure that there remained a cap, albeit a larger one, on the number of vehicles on the property.

Because the municipality is still seeking a shop foreman, the CAO has had to take on some of the supervisory and administrative aspects of that role. Council looked at how some of that additional work might be redistributed until the position is filled. As well, Council addressed a need to do additional backups of office records.

Other general issues in the municipality this month included animal control regarding a repeat offender, donations to community requests, and purchase of equipment and shop supplies.