The Shire of Northam has requested a report be prepared for discussion at an October council meeting in response to a petition against rates rises.
Bakers Hill resident Brian Daniels presented the petition to the Shire on behalf of ratepayers in his town, Wundowie, Clackline, Spencers Brook and Grass Valley during a council forum meeting on Wednesday, September 12.
The petition signed by 141 constituents said those involved don’t believe the Shire has acted in their interest and that districts outside the town of Northam receive ‘little or no benefit’.
In a statement, Shire of Northam President Chris Antonio said the petition was yet to be dealt with.
“Council received the petition at the Forum Meeting of the September, 12 2018,” Councillor Antonio said.
“As the petition has been received and accepted at that forum meeting the next step as decided by Councillors is to request a report to be prepared for discussion at the October Ordinary Meeting with the appropriate response to then be made.”
At the council meeting on September 12 Mr Daniels asked Shire staff why the valuation of properties has risen despite ‘well reported downturn in property prices’.
In a reponse taken on notice the Shire said the valuation of properties is not the only consideration when it comes to rates.
“The GRV of properties is recalculated every four years for the Shire of Northam by Landgate,” a spokesperson said.
“It was last revalued and took effect during the 2016/17 financial year.
“It will be recalculated again and take effect in the 2020/21 year.
“However, the GRV value of the property is not the only factor in determining the rates payable for properties.
“There is also the rate in the dollar that is set by Council.
“The current rate in the dollar for GRV properties is 9.7975 cents in the dollar.
“This is adjusted by Council to meet the revenue required to meet the expenses incurred by the Local Government.
“The average rate increase for the 2017/18 financial year was 2.5 percent.
“You can apply to Landgate to have your properties GRV to be reassessed.
“Forms are available at the Shire of Northam Administration Centre.”
Mokine resident Cherry Alexander also addressed Shire staff at the meeting asking why some property rates have ‘decreased 35 percent’ when others have increased that same amount.
A spokesperson from the Shire addressed Ms Alexander on notice saying it is not possible to answer the question without knowing specific details of assessments.
“ In the case of your property it has increased greater than the average over the last three years due to the methodology change from UV to GRV to better reflect the actual usage of the property,” they said.
“The decision to phase the methodology change from UV to GRV over a three year period, 2018/19 was the final year of the adjustment, as such your property is now rated solely as GRV.”