Consultant called in Casey rates debate

Jim Mynard
CASEY Council will investigate the cost of engaging a consultancy firm to provide an independent report on how it should rate the municipality.
The council failed to make a decision on its rating policy after extended debate at a special council meeting on Monday.
The meeting was called to consider the Casey Community Rate Review Committee report that recommended the introduction of a heritage rate rebate, phasing in of differential vacant land rates, a green wedge rate rebate scheme and the adoption of a separate service charge for garbage collection.
The key issues are whether or not the council is prepared to adopt differential rating as opposed to its present block rating method with the one rate in the dollar over all sectors and values.
Prior to opening the meeting Casey mayor Kevin Bradford congratulated the Rural Landowners Association for initiating the report and the rate review committee members for their tireless work in presenting the document.
“I also thank Balla Balla Ward councillor Colin Butler, who first raised the issue of rural rating.”
Four Oaks Ward councillor Rob Wilson moved for the council to retain its policy of capital improved valuation with the use of a uniform rate and that the council consider ways of alleviating costs to some areas.
However extensive debate revealed that at least three councillors were thinking in terms of their own wards and not the municipality and the move was lost.
Cr Butler then successfully moved that the council adopt a separate service charge for garbage, recyclables and green waste.
But he unsuccessfully moved that officers report on the implementation of differential rating.
Springfield Ward councillor Lorraine Wreford said the present uniform rating system was a ‘one size fits all’ method.
“We have a complex community, we don’t have a one size fits all community.
“A differential rate applied properly and equitably would provide a fairer outcome.”
Edrington Ward councillor Brian Hetherton asked the council to establish an officer investigation into rating equity, efficiency and effectiveness and to develop a system that reflected those principles.
Casey manager of rates Peter Gillieron said this would become an extensive investigation involving considerable resources.
Chief executive Mike Tyler said such an investigation would need to involve a consultancy and recommended that the idea be costed.
Officers have been asked to bring back a report on the cost of conducting the investigation.