December 21, 2023
South Burnett Regional Council will be contacting a group of ratepayers who have been overcharged interest on overdue rates.
A Council spokesperson told southburnett.com.au the Council recently conducted an internal audit on its rating business system and identified a “miscalculation on interest” on some overdue rates.
“It has been determined that Council’s rating system was charging interest based on the interest rate that was applicable for the original charge and not based on the interest rate applicable for the current month that was being calculated,” the spokesperson said.
“This matter has been rectified to ensure all future interest charges on overdue rates are based on the correct rate applicable for that period.
“All property owners who have been affected by the interest issue will be contacted and advised of the arrangements put in place to correct this calculation error.
“We would like to reiterate that this matter has been rectified and has only affected property owners who had overdue charges outstanding over a financial year.
“No resident will be adversely affected.”
The matter was mentioned briefly at the Liveability, Governance and Finance Standing Committee Meeting held on December 6, before councillors went into a closed meeting to discuss the issue.
The software glitch which affected the interest calculations is believed to have affected other Queensland councils as well.
