GLENELG Shire residents have just over two weeks to have their say on how future council rates are calculated and applied to properties, following a motion by shire councillors to explore a transition to a differential rating structure.
Council’s Draft Differential Rating Discussion Paper is now open for public feedback and includes background and details surrounding the current rating structure of the Glenelg Shire and offers suggestions on alternative rating options.
The discussion paper outlines the current rebate scheme, which provides a rebate to those classified as primary producers in the shire and seeks community input on a differential rating structure, which would see the rating burden spread equitably across all user groups.
Glenelg Shire Mayor, Anita Rank said the discussion paper followed the adoption of Council’s Rating and Revenue Plan in 2021, which explained council’s intention to transition to a new model.
“In June 2021, councillors considered all submissions we received from the community regarding our Rating and Revenue Plan,” Cr Rank said.
“We adopted a modified version of this plan which maintained the status quo of a 30 per cent rebate off the primary producer rate for the 2021/22 financial year, but also outlined the intention of council to transition from a rebate to a differential rating method.
“As a result, we have released Draft Differential Rating Discussion Paper which seeks ratepayer input on how the rate burden can be most equitably distributed across households, user groups, primary producers and industries.
“Under the differential rating method, different rates in the dollar will be applied for various land uses (e.g. residential, farm, vacant, commercial, industrial) and will help to better reflect the rate contribution required from each different property groups.
“The differential rating structure is council’s preferred option for a number of reasons.
“It provides fairness across each sector, long term financial security and certainty for ratepayers on future rates.
“The transition from the current structure to a differential model is a significant change and as such, we want to hear your feedback.”
Submissions on the Draft Differential Rating Discussion Paper can be made on the Your Say Glenelg website and are due by 5pm on Friday, February 25, 2022.
