Distributed each year, rates notices will also include a brochure outlining how rates are calculated and a message about how your rates contribute to the Council budget.
“Rates payments enable Council to deliver its budget, which maintains current services, look after Council assets and deliver projects that will benefit both residents and visitors to the area,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.
“Council also listened to the community’s concerns regarding the financial implications of COVID-19 on everyday costs by restricting the municipal rates increase to 1.5 per cent, which is 0.5 per cent lower than the state government’s Fair Go Rates System recommendation of 2 per cent.”
Ratepayers can pay their rates in full or by instalments using a number of payment options:
● Online via BPay, BPay View or Post billpay;
● Telephone and internet banking;
● In store at any Australia Post branch;
● By mail; and
● Visiting Council’s Customer Service Centres at Cohuna and Kerang when they reopen following the easing of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
“Details regarding how to use either of these methods are listed on your rates notice,” Cr Learmonth said.
“Ratepayers may choose to pay their rates in full, with payment due by February 15, 2021.
“The most popular option is by instalments, with the first instalment payment due by September 30.”
Ratepayers who are experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact Council early to request a payment plan.
“This includes people financially impacted by COVID-19, with Council’s COVID-19 Hardship policy outlining options to assist ratepayers who are experiencing temporary financial hardship at this time,” Cr Learmonth said.
Ratepayers may also choose to receive future rates notices by email, with information regarding how to sign up for this service included in this year’s rates brochure.
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