The Hilltops Council Rates harmonisation Calculator is providing some interesting results with Council showcasing who some of the ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ will be, if and when the harmonisation is introduced.

   However, if neighbouring merged Councils are anything to go by, a Special Rate Variation (SRV) will likely follow any rates harmonisation as has been set down by Snowy Valleys and the geographically closer Cootamundra Gundagai Council.

CGRC followed state government legislation of the harmonisation of their rating structure and still found that they would need an increase of over 53%, which means some residents are likely to enjoy the briefest of savings, before their rates go up again.

   Council has provided a lists of ‘example properties’ and the changes in rates on its website  for Harden residential residents doesn’t provide a break down or include water access, domestic collection charge, sewerage access charge, storm water management and organic collection charges.

Without providing an address or a lot and DP number Council states that an ‘example’ property – residential in Young has current rates of $684.48 and that a harmonised rate for 2021/22 will be $544. Down approximately 20.5%

‘Example’ property in Boorowa states that Boorowa farmland is rated at $464 and that a harmonised rate for 2021/22 will be $544. Up approximately 17.25%

‘Example’ properties north of Young, Wirrimah, states that’s residential property is rated at $679.52 and that a harmonised rate for 2021/22 will be $544. Down approximately 19.8%

‘Example’ properties west of Harden at Nubba states that farmland in Nubba is rated at $358.21 and and that a harmonised rate for 2021/22 will be $554. Up approximately 54.75%

‘Example’ business in Harden is rated at $658 and that a harmonised rate for 2021/22 will be $554. Down 15.75%

Typing in addresses in the calculator doesn’t always yield a result.

Council has prefaced a message above the calculator which states, “Proposed changes to your rates

 We are preparing to embark on a rates harmonisation process across the residential, business and farmland categories in the Hilltops Local Government Area.   We are seeking to create a consistent rating system that is a fairer approach for all ratepayers, regardless of dwelling or business type.  

While the total pool of money raised through rates for the provision of services will not change, individual properties may be asked to pay more or less than they have in the past.

  Legislation currently with NSW parliament may provide some relief in the form of an option to perform gradual implementation over four years if the NSW Government’s proposed changes are passed into law.

  Should this be passed the annual impact can be calculated by dividing the change in current and harmonised rate by the number of years (e.g. 25% each year for 4 years) More to come.

More to come.

RATES CALCULATOR http://www.hilltops.nsw.gov.au/Council/About-the-council/Draft-Polices-Procedures-on-Display.aspx