August 30, 2012
South Burnett Regional Council has implemented quarterly rate payments, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pay in six-monthly installments if you prefer, or even weekly …
“We have introduced quarterly rate payments to make it easier for families to budget, however if someone is wanting to pay in six-monthly amounts this option is still available,” Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said.
“Over the years the Council had received numerous requests from ratepayers who wanted quarterly notices to ease the impact that the half yearly rates caused on their finances.
“It was a unanimous decision from the Councillors that we introduce the quarterly notices.
“We also introduced the quarterly payments to ease the effects of the rate increase on our residents. The quarterly payments have also brought us in line with many other Councils who already issue their rates quarterly.
“Due to the decrease in State and Federal funding and the changes to property values, we knew that we were going to have to increase the rates this year.
“We were able to keep the rate increase down from an expected 8-10 per cent increase to 5.75 per cent through a major overhaul of Council’s expenses.”
Spokesperson for Finance, Cr Keith Campbell said there were many optional ways people could pay their rates, including quarterly, six-monthly, weekly at $50 in advance or monthly part payments through an arrangement with the Council.
“We understand that every ratepayer manages their finances in different ways and is in a different financial situation. This is why we wanted to ensure there were many payment options available,” Cr Campbell said.
“Pensioners will still receive a rebate of $100 which is in addition to the Federal Government’s $200 rebate. We are also still able to offer residents 10 per cent off their rates if they pay before the due date.”
