The success of Council’s monthly rate payment option has been recognised at today’s Ordinary Meeting.
More than six months after Council introduced the alternative way of paying rates, 550 applications have been lodged with a value of $545,148.65.
Corporate and Community Services Committee Chairperson, Councillor Heather Wehl said Council was pleased with the number of ratepayers who had already taken up the offer.
“Council recognises the financial pressures that families are feeling in this current financial climate and the options of paying rates is one way we can assist them to meet their financial commitments,” Cr Wehl said.
“Council is committed to providing modern customer service practices and this initiative is one example of how Council is moving with the times.”
Since the introduction of the monthly instalment option, there have only been 131 default letters issued. The rates outstanding at the end of December 2011 are $500,000 less than that of December 2010 which can be attributed to debt management efforts by rates staff and the introduction of the rate instalment option.
Ratepayers will receive the Monthly Instalment Payment Application Form with their next rates notice in July. The forms are available on Council’s website and at customer service centres.