Ararat Rural City Council rate notices to be posted this week

Ararat Rural City Council ratepayers will start receiving their rate notices for the 2019/2020 financial year this week.

Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said people who receive their rate notices by post should begin to receive them within the week, with those opting for electronic delivery receiving them by the end of this week.

Dr Harrison said ratepayers can either pay their rates in full by 15 February 2020, or pay the first instalment by 30 September 2019, with the remaining three instalments due on 30 November, 29 February and 31 May.

“Ararat Rural City Council offers a range of ways to pay your rates including BPay, credit card, direct debit and cash at our customer service centre or Australia Post,” he said.

“All payment methods are detailed on the back of your rate notice but if you have any questions about how to pay, don’t hesitate to phone us on 5355 0200.”

The 2019 valuations have been applied to 2019/2020 rates notices, with valuations now being conducted every year after a decision by the Victorian Valuer General. Ratepayers are able to object to their valuation with details on how to do this on the back of rate notices.

Dr Harrison said ratepayers can sign up to receive their rate notice electronically via BPay View, which is set up through your online banking account.

BPay View sends your bills and statements directly to the online bank you use to pay them, with email, SMS or bank message reminders. For more information visit www.bpay.com.au/bpayview.

Dr Harrison reminded ratepayers with concession cards they may be able to receive a rebate on their rates and to contact Council’s rates department to verify their eligibility.

“And if ratepayers are having difficulties paying their rates, the Council is happy to work out a payment arrangement, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us,” he said.