2015/2016 Rates notices in the post
Published on 10 August 2015
Mildura Rural City Council has commenced distribution of 2015/2016 rate notices
All property owners within the municipality should expect to receive rate notices over the next few days, along with extra information about the rating process and payment options.
This year residents will also be able to sign up for BPAY View, an online option that allows Council to send rates notices directly to your nominated banking account.
Mildura Rural City Council Mayor Glenn Milne said Council is excited about being able to offer the community an environmentally friendly way of receiving their notices in the future.
“BPAY View allows customers to opt to have their rates notices delivered directly to their online bank accounts,” Cr Milne said “Customers can then view their notices and any other information online. It’s not only saving on printing and mailing costs but with many other service providers implementing this system, it gives customers the added convenience of having their notices all in one place.”
Council is also reminding ratepayers the State Government’s Fire Services Property Levy will again appear on notices. The levy is collected by Council on behalf of the State Government.
“The State Government’s Fire Services Property Levy appears on rates notices,” Cr Milne said. “When people look at the total amount owing it includes this sum and while it has to be paid to Council, that component goes straight back to the State Government. None of it stays with Council.”
Just over half of the annual revenue needed for Mildura Rural City Council to operate is collected through rates and is used to provide Council services, facilities and programs for the community.
Council is encouraging people who have recently relocated to make sure their contact details are up to date.
“If you have moved or changed addresses in the past year and not updated your details with Council there is a good chance your rate notice will be sent to your old address,” he said.
“If you own property and know you should be receiving a rate notice, give Council a call to update your address details so you receive your notice as soon as possible. This will give you more time to arrange payments.”
Cr Milne said an information flyer sent out with rate notices explained how rates were calculated and the different ways people could opt to pay their rates.
Council rates can be paid up front in one lump sum or by quarterly instalments.
Full upfront payments must be made by Monday 15 February 2016. People using the quarterly instalment option must make their first instalment payment by Wednesday 30 September 2015.
Rates can be paid in person at any of Council’s Service Centres, online and in person at Australia Post, via BPAY, mail, direct debit or via Centrepay for those receiving Centrelink payments.
Anyone experiencing financial difficulties or having trouble making rates payments should contact Council as soon as possible to discuss their circumstances and make alternative arrangements.
For more information about the Fire Services Property Levy visit www.firelevy.vic.gov.au.
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au