 |
|
||
| Rates & Charges: Frequently Asked Questions 1/ How are my rates calculated? As required by legislation, Council has chosen to adopt the Capital Improved Valuation Base throughout the whole shire to determine rates. The Capital Improved Value on your property is calculated by a registered Valuer and takes into account the land value and any improvements including buildings, fences, sheds etc. This is then multiplied by the rate in the dollar applicable to your property, which is shown on your rate notice. 2/ What if I do not agree with the Valuation? You can contact one of our Customer Service Officers, who can refer your initial query to Council's contract valuer for investigation. If not satisfied with the response then you can object to the valuation. A Customer Service Officer can assist you further by providing information regarding the grounds for objection and the recommended objection form. Valuation objections must be lodged within two months of the original valuation and rate notice being sent. 3/ Are there different rates struck for different types of property? Yes. Council has implemented a general rate for improved residential properties. The differential rates are:
These different rates reflect council's expenditure in these sectors as well as council policy. 4/ What do my rates pay for? They pay for services which your household either uses directly or has access to, and which provide general benefit to the local community. Your rates provide useful services in the community. Imagine a community without street signs, footpaths, local roads, school crossings, street sweeping, orderly planning, maternal and child health services, mobile library services, environmental programs, recreation reserves and park lands, public toilets, roadside slashing or fire prevention. 5/ What is the Municipal Charge for? The $130.00 Municipal Charge helps pay the cost of Council's administration. 6/ What is the Garbage Charge for? The garbage charge of $294.00 (urban- compulsory) or $244.00 (rural - optional) is charged for collection of garbage, recyclables and green waste from your property, as well as disposal, sorting and recycling of waste as applicable. The garbage charge also funds the provision of waste and recycling infrastructure, including future rehabilitation of Council's landfill sites. The rural garbage charge is only levied against those choosing to use this service. The charge covers the full cost of providing the service all year round, regardless of the frequency of use. 7/ What methods can I use to pay? The methods available to pay your rates are set out on the bottom of the rate notice. 8/ What if I know I cannot pay my rates by quarterly instalment? If you are experiencing financial difficulty paying your rates and charges, please contact Stephen Wall, Director Corporate Services (ph 5261 0600) to confidentially discuss alternative payment arrangements. 9/ If I am a Pensioner, can I get a rebate on my rates? Yes, if you are the holder of an appropriate Concession Card (not a Health Card) you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $184.30 on your rates. You can do this at our Customer Service Centre and you will need to bring along your concession card to support your claim. Applications to claim the pensioner rebate for 2009/10 can be made at any time during the year.
|
|
|
|
|
|||