August 24th, 2023Rate notices hit local letter boxes
Ratepayers in Hepburn Shire have begun receiving their rates notices over recent days.
Rates and charges make up over half of Council’s annual budgeted revenue and are vital to delivering services such as parks and gardens, waste collection, local road maintenance and construction, libraries, public sporting and recreation facilities, and much more.
The increase to the council’s rate revenue has been capped at 3.5 percent in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System. This compares to a six percent CPI increase in the year to June 2023.
Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood said not every household will see a 3.5 percent increase in rates.
“How much you pay for rates very much depends on the value of your property. The Valuer General values all properties in Victoria every year, a process completely independent of councils. These valuations are used by Council to calculate rates” said Cr Hood.
This year, about 52 percent of rateable properties within Hepburn Shire will incur a rate increase lower than the 3.5 percent rate rise cap.
- 36 percent of residential properties will actually see a reduction in rates compared to last year.
- 16 percent of residential properties will incur an increase in rates of less than 3.5 per cent compared to last year.
- 48 percent of residential properties will incur an increase in rates of more than 3.5 per cent compared to last year.
In order to calculate rates, the total amount of revenue to be raised by the council in general rates is divided by the total value of all rateable properties in the shire. The resulting figure is called the ‘rate in the dollar’.
The council then applies a ‘rate in the dollar’ to the assessed value of each property. This rate differs depending on the type of property. For example, residential, commercial and farming properties each have a different rate in the dollar.
Ratepayers will also see waste charges on their rates notices. This includes a waste management charge that is levied on all properties and collection charges that are based on the service received. A fire services property levy is also included on rates notices, with 100% of the levy passed onto the state government to fund fire and emergency services in Victoria.
The Victorian Government provides pensioners with a concession on rates and charges.
This concession is an annual capped amount set by the Department of Human Services and in 2023/2024 is $253.20. There is also a rebate of $50 available against the Fire Services Property Levy.
“Council also offers an additional $21 rebate for pensioners who qualify under the state government pensioner rate remission scheme. We are one of the few councils who offer this additional rebate,” said Cr Hood.
Eligible pensioners can apply by contacting Council.
Cr Hood acknowledged the current economic situation is causing financial pressure on households.
“We know financial struggles are real for many households. If you are having difficulty paying your rates, please get in touch with our Rates Team. You can contact them on (03) 5348 2306 to discuss arranging a payment plan in line with our hardship policy,” said Cr Hood.
“There is a lot of information on our website relating to rates, including frequently asked questions and information on how to pay your rates,” he said.
“You can also choose to have your rates notices emailed to you rather than sent through the mail. Visit the website or drop into your closest council hub for details.”
