Land auction to recoup unpaid rates this Friday

Up to 42 properties will go up for auction this Friday as Council seeks to recoup unpaid rates.

A combined total of $524,214 in rates and other charges is outstanding on the properties, which will be auctioned at 10am at Armidale Town Hall.

Since the auction list was originally released in May, a number of properties have been removed as Council liaises with the owners.

An up-to-date list of properties can be viewed at www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/living-here/residents/rates

Council advises that the amount of outstanding rates owing to Council does not necessarily determine the reserves, which have been based on market valuations.

While the combined market value of the properties is $948,102, Council will not be publishing reserves set for individual properties.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Susan Law, reaffirmed the auction was a final option to recoup outstanding rates, after all the property owners received numerous requests to pay the outstanding rates and charges or come to a satisfactory arrangement to settle their debt to Council. 

"If Council does not act to recoup the outstanding amounts, it is unfair on ratepayers who pay their rates in full and on time," Ms Law said.

All NSW councils have a similar policy addressing debt recovery for unpaid rates. 

She said property owners falling behind in paying rates are advised to contact Council. Payment plan can be put in place or, in some cases, owners can apply for hardship rate relief.

Published on 10 Sep 2018