2016/2017 Rates notices issued
Published on 12 August 2016
Mildura Rural City Council’s ratepayers will start receiving their 2016/2017 rate notices in the mail from next week. Around 300 ratepayers have also registered for electronic delivery of their rates notices and should receive them today.
With a number of changes coming in to play this financial year, people are being reminded to check their statements carefully.
Mildura Rural City Council Mayor Glenn Milne said that while the State Government has introduced a rate-cap of 2.5% this year, it is also a revaluation year and ratepayers will experience different individual rate increases based on this.
“How much you pay in rates is partly determined by the Capital Improved Value (CIV) of your property and this year, Council was required by the State Government to revalue every property in our municipality,” Cr Milne explained.
“All properties in the municipality were revalued as at 1 January 2016 and your rate increase will be based partly on that amount. Other fees such as the waste charges and the State Government’s Fire Services Property Levy will again appear on notices and are not subject to the rate-cap.
“The Fire Services Levy for example, appears on our rate notices and while it has to be paid to Council, that component goes straight back to the State Government. None of it stays with us.”
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 15 February 2017. People using the quarterly instalment option must make their first instalment payment by 30 September 2016.
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.
More information about Council rates is available online at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/About-Council/Rates-Valuations
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au