AUGUSTA Margaret River Shire Council last week adopted its advertised schedule of rates and charges for the new financial year.
Cr Mike Smart told last Wednesday’s council meeting the rate increase, which equates to an average of 4.5 per cent, was “modest” when compared to “other shires in the region”.
The council will also again provide an early rates payment incentive.
All ratepayers who pay their rates, service charges and waste services fees, and any previous years’ arrears, by the due date will be entered into a prize draw.
First prize is $1000 towards a rates payment, second prize is $400, and third and fourth prizes are $300 towards a rates payment. Fifth prize is a $250 Bankwest IGA voucher and two double passes to a WA Symphony Orchestra performance will also be given away to early payers.
Rates payment in full is due 35 days after the issue date of the rates notice.
Ratepayers also have the option of paying in four instalments but an administration fee of $6.50 is imposed on the last three instalment payments.
Late rates will attract interest at 11 per cent .
