Council adopts rates remission policy

Taupō District Council has adopted the Transitional Remissions Policy following a one-month special consultation period to garner public feedback on the proposal to remit rates during a three-year transition period.

Implementing the Remissions Policy requires Council to amend the current Rates Remission and Postponement Policy. The new policy will allow Council to remit rates for property owners most affected by the recent move to a capital value rating system for the general rates.

The intent of the policy is to provide some relief to those ratepayers. Under the policy, ratepayers who qualify do not have to apply to have their rates remitted. Remissions will be calculated automatically and reflected on rates invoices due out early August.

Mayor Rick Cooper says the total amount of rates collected by the Council remains the same. “Not all ratepayers will get a remission; only those who qualify because their rates have significantly increased. The policy will help smooth the transition for those who fit into that scenario.”

The consultation period closed on Thursday 26 July 2012. There were 188 submissions and one submitter who wanted to be heard. Hearings were held on Monday 30 July. The one submitter, who wished to be heard, favoured the policy but wanted it extended from three years to five years.

In June, Council adopted its Long Term Plan 2012-22 which moved the District from a land value to a capital value rating system for the general rates.