Council
4 May, 2024
Council targets unpaid rates
Somerset Regional Council has approved the sale of 33 properties to recover more than $296,000 in overdue rates.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said debt recovery was a basic business practice.
“The reality is quite simple, we would much prefer not to go down this path but paying rates is not optional,” Cr Wendt said.
“Council can only start this action once rates have remained unpaid for three consecutive years.
“It’s a tough situation but council does what it can to work with people to avoid the sale of their properties.”
Cr Wendt said the sale of land process provides for a minimum of three months for the overdue rates to be paid in full.
“Council works with the relevant property owners for several months to collect the rates owing to try and avoid the next step,” he said.
“Our rates pay for vital services to be delivered to residents and visitors to our region including road maintenance, parks, library services, public lighting, kerbside rubbish services and so much more.”
There are 33 properties included in the rate recovery action and are located throughout Somerset.
