June 7, 2013
South Burnett councillors have requested a full report on Council rates that are overdue for payment.
“We need to recover our outstanding rates. It is unfair to those in the community who are doing the right thing and paying their rates on time,” Finance spokesman Cr Keith Campbell said.
“We have a situation where 92 per cent of people are funding 100 per cent of the expenses and the other 8 per cent of the community are getting a free ride. This must be addressed.”
Last November, South Burnett Regional Council engaged Ferguson Cannon Lawyers to pursue outstanding debts, with the focus on rates that were more than three years in arrears.
“Council had 92 properties in long-term arrears six months ago,” Cr Campbell said.
“Since engaging a debt collection agency we have got this number down to 28 properties. The next step is to commence action in the Magistrates Court.
“Now that the long-term arrears are being dealt with, we will also look at recovering all rates in arrears.
“The report for the next Council meeting will look at any rates that are in arrears.
“Each ratepayer that is in arrears has been contacted on numerous occasions about their rates with limited or no response to date.
“Council is now faced with the only option of taking the next step to recover the outstanding rates.”
Under Local Government Regulations, Council can enter into a payment arrangement with the ratepayer to pay the rates.
“I urge ratepayers who are in arrears to call Council on (07) 4189-9100 to make an arrangement to pay the rates within a satisfactory timeframe,” Cr Campbell said.
