Published on Tuesday, 23 June 2020 at 3:34:32 PM
No increase and a discount on rates will help offer relief to ratepayers as Council adopted the City of Greater Geraldton’s 2020/21 Budget.
As part of the City’s rates relief package, ratepayers who pay their rates in full by the due date will receive a 5% discount.
The discount will apply to the rates component, with the Rubbish and Emergency Services Levy charges to remain the same.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said offering financial relief to ratepayers in the aftermath of COVID-19 was a priority.
“Everyone has been hit extremely hard throughout these unprecedented times and while the City may be experiencing a significant decline in revenue streams, we are doing all we can to provide some sort of community relief,” he said.
“Low rates rises have been a top priority over the last five years for Council, but now more than ever we didn’t want to put the community through high and unattainable rates rises, and that’s why there is a freeze on rates increases in the 2020/21 Budget.
“Not only is there a rates freeze, but we’re offering a discount on rates paid by the due date as well as no instalment interest and charges.”
The 2020/21 rates relief package is outlined as follows:
- 5% discount on rates paid by the due date
- No increase to the rate in the dollar
- 0% instalment interest
- No instalment charges
- 0% rates penalty interest until fourth instalment due date then reduced rate of 8%.
The 5% discount on rates is for those paid in full by 24 August 2020 - 35 days after issue of notice, or in the case of pensioners if the relevant portion of rates levied is paid by 24 August 2020.
Payment must be in full and include any arrears. The discount does not apply to the separate rubbish charge or the Emergency Services Levy.
Despite a decline in revenue streams due to COVID-19, the City is delivering a significant capital spend which isn’t much less than that projected in the Long Term Financial Plan.
“Our financial management has put us in good stead to keep delivering essential services to our community,” Mayor Van Styn added.
“Not only are we focused on providing relief for our residents, but we are also committed to supporting local businesses and stimulating the local economy as we move through the recovery phase of the pandemic.
“We’re together on the road to recovery.”
Ratepayers are also advised they can now register for eRates. This means you can go paperless and receive rates notices via email.
To sign up for eRates, head to https://erateswa.com/greatergeraldton/
For more information or to view the City’s 2020/21 Budget, head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au
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