ON Friday, I was “fortunate” enough to receive my new year council rates notice. What can I say?
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My valuation has gone down but my rates went up. I would like some answers.
I read, with interest, in the last two weeks about people who do not pay their rates. I was never aware of this until then. How can one not pay rates?
This means ratepayers like myself, who pay their rates well in advance, carry these non-payers. I would like to know why, if I pay my rates well in front, I am not entitled to a discount of some sort as a “thank you”. These people are getting a “discount”. It becomes someone else’s burden but it is not theirs. How is this fair?
When one buys a home, it is automatic that there are rates, both land and water, electricity and then there are options like insurances. Whether one chooses to take these up is purely up to the individual, however, rates are there to be paid. So how is it that council does not chase these people up?
Please do not humour me with the statement about hardship. What is hardship? One who can afford to play the pokies? Lotto? Smokes? Drinks? Granted, I can see people seething. How dare I make such a comment. However, look around, and see what is happening.
Am I that wrong? Realistically?
Why did my rates go up by $150 and all I owe for next year is $100? Am I not eligible for the same respect that these people get who owe thousands? A $50 rebate would have been nice. I have never owed rates, in fact on thinking about it council are earning interest on my monies. I am not being given anything.
I hear people saying, ‘Fool you’, for doing it that way. I say, at least I sleep comfortably at night knowing I am free from harassment of any sort, live where I am happy living and pay for it.
To those who owe council, $10 per fortnight goes a long way.
H. Smith,
Vincentia.