Council to Review Rates Policy Due to Extreme Variances in Valuations
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28 May 2018
EXTREME VARIANCES OF PROPERTY VALUATIONS
CAUSE COUNCIL TO REVIEW RATING POLICY
Goondiwindi Regional Council will consider rate capping in the coming budget due to significant variations in recent valuations across the council region.
'Council is compelled to base its rates upon land valuations supplied by the state and, unfortunately, this year we are experiencing massive variations in the changes,' Mayor Graeme Scheu said today.
‘Some valuations have not changed at all but then, at the other end of the scale, others have seen increases of as much as 355%.’
‘That does not necessarily equate to a 355% rate increase, but undoubtedly it will be a massive increase and an impost that no one can be expected to wear in a single 12-month period,' said Cr Scheu.
Council will endeavour to collect only 3% more revenue than last year and so most residents will see a rate increase of about that amount. But due to the large variation in valuations, some ratepayers are likely to see significant increases - whereas others will actually see rate reductions.
'The cap seems the only sensible option to keep these increases to an affordable limit,' Cr Scheu said.
Council has also created a special rate category this year for sporting and community clubs that pay general rates and provide a community benefit. Council acknowledges that a number of these groups struggle to make ends meet and believes some relief through the new special category will help them to continue to provide their valued community services.
Council has retained the 15% early payment discount on general rates for those who choose to pay on time.
The funds must be in the Council account by the due date for ratepayers to qualify for the discount and so it is important not to leave payment until the last day of the discount period. Transactions not processed by the due date will not receive the early payment discount - regardless of the reason.
'I encourage people to arrange payments a few days earlier,' advised Cr Scheu. 'And possibly one more tip - don’t rely on Australia Post timelines.'
For further information, please contact:
Councillor Graeme Scheu
Mayor
Goondiwindi Regional Council
Mobile: 0427 718 877
Email: gscheu@grc.qld.gov.au