Council to advertise its intent to correct and apply charges to non-rateable properties

28 Feb 2020 4:49 PM -

A review has been undertaken of non-rateable properties as practised by Leeton Shire Council and recommendations made to ensure legislative compliance, consistency and transparency related to any relief or subsidies applied.

Council’s Manager Finance Jackie Hawkins stated in her report to Council that a review of Council’s current non-rateable properties had found that Council has abandoned rates on approximately 180 properties.

“The majority of these properties have had their Annual Charges raised correctly under the Local Government Act1993 (the Act), however some properties have had various rebates and subsidies applied that do not comply with the Act.”

To be compliant with legislation, fair and consistent to all ratepayers, and transparent in its dealings, it is being recommended that Council adopts a clear policy on the support it provides religious organisations, charities and not-for- profits that own property in the Leeton Shire.

“Council is proposing to separate the affected organisations into three groups and apply set discounts and subsidies to those groups in a legally compliant and consistent manner.”

The three groups include:

·         Group 1: Organisations that are legally exempt from rates and are classified as a “Religious Organisation” will be required to pay annual and user charges but will continue to be afforded relief to the extent that the lowest adopted charge category will be routinely applied (residential), and only once, per charge type, as well as an 80% subsidy when determining the annual charges. Full costs will be applied for water usage and waste collection charges.

·         Group 2: Organisations that are legally exempt from rates and are classified as a “Charitable Organisation” will be required to pay annual and user charges but will continue to be afforded relief to the extent that the lowest adopted charge category will be routinely applied (residential), and only once, per charge type, as well as a 90% subsidy when determining the annual charges.

·         Group 3: Organisations that are not legally exempt from rates but can prove they are “Not-for- Profit” will be required to pay rates as well as annual and user charges but will continue to be afforded relief to the extent that the lowest adopted charge category will be routinely applied (residential), and only once, per charge type, as well as a 90% subsidy when determining the annual rates and charges.

At the meeting Councillors added an additional resolution which allows the General Manager to apply a 100% subsidy to landowners who are not-for-profit organisations that can prove financial hardship. 

All affected organisations were consulted on the proposed changes prior to the report being tabled at Council and received individual invitations to address Council in person. None took up the offer which suggests all parties were satisfied with the new approach.