Toowoomba Regional Council says its “supportive and collaborative approach” is paying dividends, with a drop in outstanding rates and charges.
Today’s TRC meeting noted a $2 million improvement in outstanding rates and charges, compared with the same time last year.
Outstanding rates and charges totalled $10.8 million (5.87 per cent) at March 31, compared with $13 million (8.8 per cent) in 2013.
Finance and Business Strategy Committee chairman and Deputy Mayor Cr Mike Williams said the arrears figures had been improving in both dollar and percentage terms in recent years.
“While legislative powers exist under the Local Government Act to collect outstanding rates and charges, including the sale of properties in certain circumstances, we find it far better to offer a range of support mechanisms to enable ratepayers and residents to meet their legal obligations,” Cr Williams said.
“Council expects this trend of lower arrears to continue. Our ultimate goal is to reach a 3 per cent target for arrears, which would make it one of the lowest in Queensland. We believe this is very achievable.”
