Government

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Strategic Priorities, Finance and Administration

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is the senior administrative leader of the Municipality, responsible for managing its day-to-day activities in accordance with the Municipal Government Act of Nova Scotia and under the Direction of Council.

This group is responsible for implementing Council’s strategic plan, through an annual business plan; Council’s annual operating and capital budget; Council’s legislative agenda (by-laws and policies); grants to organizations; all lending programs (volunteer fire departments, CDDI, water supply, and more); corporate communications; senior safety; and heritage properties.

Phone: 902-742-7159

Development Services

Development Servcices administers municipal By-Laws relating to planning and development which are prepared in accordance with the Municipal Government Act. The staff in the Development Office receive and process applications for ‘Development Permits’ in accordance with the zoning provisions in the Land Use By-Law, and ‘Building Permits’ are issued in accordance with the Building By-Law, Provincial Building Code Act, and Building Code Act Regulations.

Phone: 902-742-9691

Public Works Department

The Public Works Department is responsible for delivering and maintaining a number of fundamental services to the residents of the municipality, in their communities. These services are largely related to health and safety, and include things such as wastewater, sidewalks, municipal roads, street lights, etc. 

In the case of an after-hours emergency, please call 902-749-6081 (this is for wasterwater emergencies only) 

Phone: 902-742-7353

Yarmouth Recreation

Yarmouth Recreation provides recreation programming and services for the residents of both the Municipality of Yarmouth and the Town of Yarmouth. 

Phone: 902-742-8868

Website: Yarmouth Recreation

Municipal Solicitor

Code of Conduct Investigator

Financial Overview

The Municipality’s annual operating budget is normally $16,000,000.00 to $18,000,000.00 per year. The capital budget varies widely, but is typically several millions of dollars per year. There are over 5,400 residential dwellings in the Municipality and we process over 9,000 tax bills each year for residential, resource, and commercial accounts.

The finances of the Municipality are organized into four distinct funds:

1. General Operating Fund: where we record and account for all of our day-to-day business.
2. Capital Reserve Fund: contains special restrictions and from which we account for the financial components of our capital acquisition and disposal transactions.
3. General Capital Fund: where we keep track of all of our tangible capital assets such as sewer systems, sidewalks, buildings, equipment, recreational assets, and more.
4. Operating Reserve Fund: holding financial reserves that can be used for special purposes such as loans to volunteer fire departments and as a store of equity as a hedge for difficult times.

The Finance Department reports our financial and operational results quarterly to Council, and more often when required on specific transactions and initiatives. Operating and capital budgets are prepared annually, with a high level of detailed input from the respective department heads and Council. The budget is normally finalized and approved by Council in May of each year.

Reporting & Statistics

The following contains financial data on the historical, prospective, and performance metrics that we use in the administration of municipal business:

• Capital Investment Plan
• Financial Statements
• Financial Condition Indicators

The public expects the highest standards of professional conduct from Members elected to local government. The purpose of this Code is to establish guidelines for the ethical and interpersonal conduct of Council Members. 

To continue reading about Standards of Conduct, Council Responsibilities, Respect for the Decision Making Process, Obligations to Citizens, and more, please download pdf Code of Conduct for Elected Municipal Officials.

Jonathan Cuming, Managing Partner TMC Law - Code of Conduct Investigator

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Phone: 902-678-6156 Ext 234 / Fax: 902-678-6010

Strategic Plan for 2025-2029

This strategic plan establishes a shared vision and commitment for a vibrant and forward-looking MODY.

It notes our top priorities and focuses on the work that Council and staff will implement to:

• Earn and keep the trust and confidence of our citizens
• Further improve the high quality of life residents currently enjoy
• Attract new residents, businesses and innovative partnerships to create opportunities at home
• Improve our infrastructure and shared assets with neighbouring municipalities 

 The plan is guided by a refined vision and mission, and underscored by a set of values that express our collective commitment to residents at the level of both the elected Council and the staff team.

To view the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth Strategic Plan 2025-2029, please click the link below:

  pdf Municipality of the District of Yarmouth Strategic Plan 2025-2029

To view the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth Strategic Plan 2021-2025, please click the link below:

  pdf Municipality of the District of Yarmouth Strategic Plan 2021-2025