Sunshine Coast Council scraps discount for early rates payment
Some residents will wait until the 11th hour to pay rates after a Sunshine Coast Council decision that left some councillors feeling uncomfortable.
Sunshine Coast
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A decision to scrap the discount for residents who pay rates early was one some Sunshine Coast councillors agonised over.
Sunshine Coast Council expects to save $10m by not giving a five per cent discount - or about $63 - to residents who pay their rates on time.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said the savings helped the council reinstate the $5m Disaster Rehabilitation Reserve and increase on-the-ground services as part of the 2021-22 budget.
Councillor Christian Dickson said he still felt uncomfortable with the decision and Winston Johnston said it was one they “agonised over long and hard”.
“One thing I don’t agree with ... is us doing away with the five per cent early rate discount,” Mr Dickson said.
“It’s something I still feel uncomfortable with.”
But Mr Dickson said he was glad the disaster recovery fund was re-established without increasing rates.
Sunshine Coast Daily’s Facebook followers slammed the decision with some saying they will wait until the final days to pay their rates.
“Have a think about it, the removal of the on time payment discount is the equivalent of a large increase in rates! As usual this mob just tries to disguise the truth,” John Hargrave said.
“Well guess what council, after 40 years giving you money early, that won’t be happening anymore,” Edie Robinson said.
“I’ll pay on the 11th hour. I think that will hurt council more.”
Mr Jamieson said after the budget meeting that he was comfortable people would see the rationale behind the decision.
“I don’t know there are too many risks,” he said.
“Some clearly will be disappointed that the discount has been abolished but in the current environment re-establishing the disaster emergency fund is very important.
“In scrapping the early payment discount we’re able to provide no rate increase and that will be of benefit to everybody.”
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