Hills councils offer case-by-case rate relief to ratepayers impacted by COVID-19
Two Adelaide Hills councils are offering full or partial rate relief to ratepayers impacted by COVID-19 for up to six months.
Adelaide Hills
Don't miss out on the headlines from Adelaide Hills. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Mount Barker High reveals plans for $6 million school expansion
- Plans afoot for cycling-based tourism accommodation at Lenswood
Two regional councils have answered the call for support by ratepayers financially impacted by COVID-19.
Adelaide Hills Council this week said it was offering case-by-case support to residents impacted by the economic downturn, which included the suspension of rates and late fees to those experiencing financial hardship.
Meanwhile, Mount Barker Council is expected to vote in support of a six-months rates suspension and fee waiver for its residents at a meeting on Monday night.
Adelaide Hills Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom said it was her council’s belief that more needed to be done to assist those in need.
“Adelaide Hills Council has reviewed its financial hardship provisions in light of the Cudlee Creek Bushfire and COVID-19 and anyone concerned about payment of their rates is encouraged to personally contact the council so we can discuss their individual circumstances and provide them with the help that is most suited to their needs,” she said.
“In addition to this we have deferred the raising of fines on any overdue rates.
“Our finance team has also received 14 COVID-19 related requests from our 17,500 ratepayers for deferrals of up to six months. These have all been unconditionally endorsed.”
Mount Barker Mayor Ann Ferguson said her council would also vote on a number of measures to improve local economic activity during Monday night’s council meeting.
The measures include providing initial support to residents by remitting late payment penalties, fines and interest on rates assessments with outstanding balances, until September 4.
A request will also be made to authorise the CEO to assemble funds secured from programs and projects within the 2019/20 budget impacted by COVID-19 to enable urgent and responsive relief measures.
“All important matters, including the suspension of rates and fines, will be discussed at our next council meeting on Monday, April 6,” Ms Ferguson said.
“Similar to the bushfire crisis, council has already made arrangements for residents that are having difficulty paying their rates.
“If you find yourself in financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 please call council to organise payment arrangements.
“Over the next few months we will be supporting our community wherever possible and planning for the future of our district.”