Rate notices to be issued this month

Ratepayers will receive their East Gippsland Shire Council 2019/20 Valuation and Rate Notices from the week commencing August 12, 2019.

In response to customer demand email delivery is being offered this year for the first time.

Standard mail and electronic delivery through BPay View will continue for ratepayers who don’t choose the email delivery method.

Ratepayers registering for the email delivery method will receive all future notices by email, including their instalment reminder notices this year. Details on how to register are included on the reverse side of this year’s annual notice and in the enclosed rates brochure.

The rates brochure includes frequently asked questions, payment options and methods, and a breakdown on how rate revenue is used to deliver services and infrastructure across the municipality.

Also included is a hard waste disposal voucher. Details on what the voucher can be used for is listed on the voucher and Council’s website.

Ratepayers who do not receive their notice by August 30 are encouraged to contact Council for a reprint, at no charge. Ratepayers that have elected to receive their notice by BPay View will have their notice delivered electronically to their internet banking site on August 12.

Mayor Cr Natalie O’Connell said rates are based on the capital improved value (CIV) of each property calculated by the rate in the dollar (set each year by Council with input from the community) together with a fixed component being the Municipal Charge.

“Council uses a differential rating system and has kept rate increases within the Victoria Government’s 2.5 per cent rate cap. The differential rating system means there is a different rate in the dollar for different property types or categories (residential, commercial/industrial or farm),” Cr O’Connell said.

“Ratepayers may see a change (decrease or increase) in their rates and this will depend largely on their property valuation, which is determined independently of Council.”

Objecting to your valuation:

Ratepayers have the right to object to the valuations or the Australian Valuation Property Classification Code (AVPCC) as shown on their notice. Objections must be received by October 18.

“Ratepayers that have a query with their valuation or wish to object should contact Council to discuss their concerns and get the appropriate form,” Cr O’Connell said.

Payment arrangements:

Anyone who considers that they might find it difficult to pay their rates by the due date is encouraged to contact Council to discuss alternative payment arrangements.

There are several ways Council may be able to assist, including an arrangement to pay that is tailored to your situation, however it’s important you contact council and have a discussion.

Anyone experiencing financial hardship can apply for assistance that may result in a waiver of interest charges, to assist in reducing their rates debt. As part of the application process, ratepayers must contact Council, work with a financial advisor, enter into and honour a payment arrangement plan and have their application assessed. Some ratepayers were approved for financial hardship assistance during the last year.

Cr O’Connell said council understands that ratepayers may experience periods of financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control. 

“Our officers are committed to working with ratepayers to put a plan in place for paying any overdue amounts. The important first step is contacting council. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you,” Cr O’Connell said.

“This is particularly important as interest is applied to unpaid rates and charges. Interest is calculated daily and is currently charged at 10 per cent.  Payments made after the due date, including late instalment payments, will incur interest on the outstanding amount, from the date the payment was due.”

Resources available for farmers:

Cr O’Connell has reminded farmers that council has resources available to assist farmers during the current drought, led by Drought Assistance Officer Blanche Evans.

“This service has been made available by council to assist farmers in identifying where assistance measures and information is available, including Rural Financial Counsellors, Agriculture Victoria, health and wellbeing initiatives, volunteer organisations, and a friendly ear to make accessing information easier,” Cr O’Connell said.

Council has customer service centres in Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Mallacoota, Omeo, Orbost and Paynesville or can be contacted by telephone on (03) 5153 9500. The East Gippsland Drought Assistance page on our website also has useful information.

More information on the 2019/20 Valuation and Rate Notices is also available on the Rates and Valuations page of Council’s website.