Vallée-de-la-Gatineau commits to improvements following property assessment audit
Sophie Demers
The Quebec Municipal Commission (QMC) released its audit report on property assessment processes. The QMC audited three Regional County Municipalities (RCMs), Abitibi-Ouest, Vallée-de-la-Gatineau and Lotbinière.
The audit aimed to help RCMs improve their operations and performance when it comes to property assessment. The audit evaluated whether the RCMs’ property assessment process was compliant with the legal and regulatory requirements. The audit focused on the 2023 to 2024 property assessments.
"This first experience of performance auditing with RCMs was very positive. We benefitted from the full cooperation of the audited RCMs, and we sincerely thank them for their openness and commitment throughout the process. They welcomed the recommendations and are already taking action to improve their processes."
The audit found that the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau did not adequately define what documents and information their municipalities must provide. This led to processing more information or not receiving the property information. QMC recommended clearly defined expectations moving forward to optimize the property assessment process.
Additionally, the report noted that there were anomalies found in the processing of property transfer and that easements had not been taken into account in Vallée-de-la-Gatineau. Other errors were found in their system. QMC recommended the RCM improve their procedures and guidelines, especially regarding property transfers. They also suggested implementing a risk-based quality control approach to prevent and detect errors.
The report also noted that there were significant delays in the property assessment process. The commission encouraged Vallée-de-la-Gatineau to create better procedures to meet their deadlines. The RCM has already implemented a strategy to speed up their process.
QMC found that several individuals employed by the private third party had access to the system when they should not be able to access it. Vallée-de-la-Gatineau could not justify this access. The commission recommended that the RCM take measures to ensure only authorized persons have access to the systems related to property assessment.
The commission asked the RCM to better manage conflict of interest prevention by requiring staff to annually renew their acknowledgment of the code of ethics and professional conduct. It should also implement a yearly declaration of any property interests within its territory.
Vallée-de-la-Gatineau made an official comment on the audit which stated, “In a context marked by a shortage of skilled labour in the region, high costs associated with the service, and significant financial constraints, the MRC is committed to making every effort necessary to meet the many objectives cited in the report. However, we emphasize that the scope and diversity of legal and administrative obligations remain particularly challenging to meet under these conditions.”
