RCG recommends rate category changes

Members of the community-based Southern Downs Ratings Consultation Group (RCG) met last week to finalise their recommendations to the council for changes to rating categories for the 2012/13 budget.
RCG spokesperson Kelvin Hutchinson said the group had spent the first half of this year reviewing the rates system, in conjunction with council officers, in what he called an “open and productive” process.
“Our group has nine members representing the business community, residential community and rural community across the region and there has been good, vigorous debate about how to achieve the fairest rating system for all constituents,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“I’d like to thank the council officers who have been remarkably open and transparent through these discussions,” he said.
“While not everyone on the RCG got everything they argued for, we think the recommended outcome agreed last week is the fairest overall.
“We have now recommended that the council redefine a number of rating categories to achieve what we believe would be the most equitable outcome for Southern Downs ratepayers.”
Under the recommendations, some property owners would find themselves in different rating categories for the next rating period.
Rural residential, CBD and commercial industrial categories have all been recommended for a definition overhaul, he said, adding that the minimum rating fee also came under scrutiny.
“It was the general feeling amongst RCG members that the proposed minimum rating fee is too low,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“Whilst we acknowledge the impact of the floods on residents this year, floods have also affected the council budget.  On top of that, the State Government has cut around $3 million off its usual grants and subsidies funding to the council across a range of areas. All of that needs to be taken into account.
“As such, the RCG has recommended that the minimum rate stay as proposed this year and increase gradually over ensuing years,” he said.
The next step is for the council to deliberate and resolve on a final budget which either accepts or revises RCG’s recommendations, Mr Hutchinson said.
Southern Downs Regional councillors are expected to adopt the budget in early July and rates notices are due to be issued in early August.
To contact the RCG and provide their views on rates categories, residents can email sdrcratesgroup@gmail.com