What are Rates?
The Shire levies rates each year to help Council to provide and maintain a number of services, facilities, functions and infrastructure within the community.
How are Rates Calculated?
Local Government Authorities in WA levy rates against each property by determining a ‘rate in the dollar’ which is then multiplied by the GRV (Gross Rental Value) of the property as determined by the Valuer General’s Office, or by the UV system (Unimproved Value) for out of town properties. For example: GRV $9,800 x 10.8386 cents (the rate in the dollar Council has determined for the 2020/2021 year) = $1,062.18 property rates.
Differential Rates
The Shire of Mount Magnet has again resolved to adopt differential rates for properties. Council’s differential rating proposal has been approved by the Minister for Local Government in accordance with the Local Government Act. Differential rates have been imposed on the basis of ensuring an adequate contribution to community services and facilities commensurate with the use of those services and facilities by occupants of the various differential categories. Differential minimum rates have been imposed to ensure an adequate minimum contribution to the cost of community services and facilities by each property within each differential category.
2020/2021 Rates and Charges
The Council adopted its budget at a Special Council Meeting held on the 26 August 2020 and resolved to impose the following rates and service charges to all rateable properties within the shire:
2020/2021 RATES
| Rate Type | Cents/$ | Category | Minimum $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban & Residential | 10.8386 | Gross Rental Value | 455 |
| Boogardie & Lennonville | 10.8386 | Gross Rental Value | 152 |
| Industrial & Commercial | 12.3793 | Gross Rental Value | 455 |
| Single Person Quarters | 19.7977 | Gross Rental Value | 818 |
| Pastoral | 7.1755 | Unimproved Value | 455 |
| Mining (Prospecting, Mining, Exploration, Gold Mining) | 34.5321 | Unimproved Value | 469 |
2020/2021 Rubbish Service Charges
| Category | $/Annum | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | 272.5 | One (1) pick up - 1 bin |
| Industrial | 545 | One (1) pick up up to 2 bins |
| Commercial | 545 | Two (2) picks ups Up to 4 bins |
| Hotels | 1942 | Two (2) picks ups Up to 4 bins |
| Black Cat Camp | 2,890.60 | Camp Site in Town |
Objections/Appeals to Rates
A person may object to their rates for their property on the grounds of:
• there is a problem with the rate record (incorrect owner/occupier details).
• the land or part of the land is not rateable.
An objection must be made in writing within 42 days of the date of issue of the rate notice. The objection must identi-fy the land and fully explain the details of the objection. Should you have a concern regarding your property valuation contact the Landgate Valuation Service on (08) 9429 8400 within 60 days of the date of issue of the rate notice.
Where an appeal or objection to rates is lodged it does not affect the liability of the owner to pay the Shire rates levied, pending a valuation determination. Any overpaid rates will be refunded.
Late Payment Interest
Council adopted at it’s Ordinary Meeting on 26 August 2020 to impose a 0% rate of penalty interest on overdue rates that remain unpaid for the 2020/21 financial year due to Covid-19.
Instalment Fee & Interest on Instalments
Council adopted at it’s Ordinary Meeting on 26 August 2020 to impose an administration charge of $0, and interest of 0% for the 2020/21 financial year due to Covid-19.
Pensioner Discounts
(Applicable to RATES and ESL charge only, all other charges to be paid in full)
Pensioners who meet the eligibility criteria below, are entitled to claim a rebate of up to 50% off the current years rates and ESL charge or may defer payment of those rates. Persons who hold a Seniors Card issued by the Office of Seniors Interests and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are entitled to the same level of concession as a pensioner.
Rebate is limited to a maximum amount prescribed annually.
Holders of the State Seniors Card only who meet the following eligibility criteria are entitled to claim a rebate of up to 25%.
Rebate is limited to a maximum amount prescribed annually.
Eligibility Criteria – to be eligible for concessions under the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1992, an applicant must:
be the owner and reside in the property on 1 July of the rating year;
If a Pensioner, either;
– be in receipt of a pension and hold a pensioner concession card or State concession card; or
– hold both a Seniors Card issued by the Office of Seniors Interests and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card;
or
– if a Senior, hold a Seniors Card issued by the Office of Seniors Interests;
– register your entitlement with Council or the Water Corporation watercorporation.com.au/concessions (concessions only apply once your application is received and registered).
A pro-rata rebate may be available from the date of registration to Pensioners and Seniors who become eligible after 1 July of the rating year.
Pensioners, please contact Council if you have rate arrears outstanding on the property and you meet the eligibility criteria. You may be able to enter into an arrangement that entitles you to rebate or deferment. Seniors must pay their rate arrears to be entitled to a rebate.
If your circumstances change – particularly with respect to your ownership or occupation of the property, or your eligibility as a Senior or Pensioner – you must notify Council and the Water Corporation. Your registration will be cancelled or amended, as appropriate.
Rebates to Pensioners and Seniors under the Rate and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1992 are funded by the Government of Western Australia.
Payment Options
Rates and rubbish charges may be paid by one of two options: –
• One payment: Due date is 9 October 2020
• Four instalment payments: Due dates are: 9 October 2020, 11 December 2020, 12 February 2021 & 16 April 2021
Instalment reminder notices will be sent out 28 days prior to the next instalment being due.
NB : Arrears are to be paid as part of the first instalment when opting to pay by instalments, otherwise an instalment option is not available.
Where payment has not been received in full or no election has been made to pay by an instalment option by the due date, ratepayers will be referred to Council’s legal advisors to initiate recovery action. All costs associated with this action are recoverable from the ratepayer and will be added to their account. Recovery action may involve Council taking possession of the land if rates remain unpaid for a period in excess of three years.
Payment of Rates by Other Arrangements
Ratepayers are advised that if they are unable to pay their rates by the due date or to meet the instalment requirements, they can make other arrangements to pay their rates by entering into an Alternative Arrangement Payment Plan. Please contact Council’s Office if you need to consider this arrangement.
Payment Details
BPoint
Pay rates online at BPoint by phoning 1300 276 468 using your credit card.
Direct Deposit
Account Name: Shire of Mount Magnet Municipal Fund
BSB: 066-512
Account No: 1012 5433
Reference: SURNAME – Plus Assessment Number or Invoice Number.
Change of Address
Council is required to issue the owner of rateable land a Notice of Valuation and Rates, and it is deemed to have been effected if delivered to the address shown in the rate record for the owner at the time of delivery. It is therefore important to provide Council’s rating section with your current mailing address, and on the reverse side of the rate notice an area is set aside for advice on such a change in address or ownership.
Change of Ownership
Under the provisions of Section 9.68 of the Local Government Act 1995, when a person. whether as principal or agent, sells or otherwise disposes of rateable land in the district of a Municipality, the principal or agent shall, within 21 days after the sale or disposal, give to the Council of the Municipality written notice of the sale with a plan or description of the land and the name and address of the purchaser.