Frankston Council to forcibly sell block of land to recoup $15k in unpaid rates
A MELBOURNE council is so fed up with chasing unpaid rates on a block of land for the past 12 years it will forcibly sell the land to recoup the $15,000 it is owed.
South East
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FRANKSTON Council is taking the extreme step of forcibly selling a block of land to recoup more than a decade in unpaid rates.
Council officials said they had exhausted all avenues to collect $15,000 owing — unpaid since 2005 — and would now sell the Frankston North property.
If it goes ahead it will be the first compulsory sale in more than 30 years — the last being the auction of a property in Edna St, Frankston South.
The council moved to sell a Carrum Downs property in 2013 after the owners failed to pay rates for more than a decade, but dropped the action when owners agreed to a payment plan at the 11th hour.
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Mayor Brian Cunial described the move as a “last resort”.
“While we would prefer not to undertake this action, it is vital all ratepayers contribute their fair share towards helping the local community grow and prosper,” he said.
“Ratepayers who choose to ignore repeated contact from council and avoid their obligations at the expense of ratepayers who are responsible in paying their rates have a detrimental impact to the services council delivers and will not be tolerated.”
Municipal Association of Victoria president Mary Lalios said councils did not take these decisions lightly.
“Such action to recover outstanding rates is not unprecedented, however, it is always done as an absolute last resort after all other avenues have been exhausted,” she said.
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City of Frankston Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association president Leanne Hodolic said it was essential council followed due process.
“As long as council has followed correct procedures to their rate money, then I would say they’re within their rights (to sell the property),” she said.
Across Frankston City, there are more than $4 million in overdue rates and charges, which council is pursuing for payment.
Council offers payment options to help ratepayers and to avoid additional charges, including a financial hardship policy.
At May 2017, 431 ratepayers were using council’s payment arrangement option.
A further 52 ratepayers have received extended support due to financial hardship.