Copies of local laws and policies relating to particular matters, adopted by the Council, are available for reference at the Administration Centre during normal business hours or details may be provided by contacting the Senior Administration Officer. The Council has local laws which govern a variety of activities throughout the Shire, including dog control and trading in public places.

To avoid disappointment at Local Government Elections, eligible residents of the Shire should ensure that their names and current address are included on either the State or Federal Electoral Roll.

Your Rates

Following adoption of its annual Budget at the beginning of each financial year, Council issues rate assessment notices. This is an account for your annual rates, but also provides information about the property values used to calculate the rates on your property. Income from rates allows Council to proceed with works approved in the Budget.

A ratepayer may elect to pay rates in full or two or four instalments by simply completing the appropriate section on the notice and submitting that with the first instalment payment.

Payment in full or the first instalment must be paid within 35 days of the issue of the rate notice.

In 1997/98 the due dates for rate instalments are 20 September, 20 November, 20 January and 20 March.

A late payment interest charge will apply to any amount that is overdue.

A $15 Administration Fee is applicable to ratepayers who elect to use the instalment plan. The fee is incurred to cover the cost of additional work in administering the instalment plan.

Formal procedures for collection of unpaid rates, including prosecution where necessary, apply where ratepayers do not meet their obligations.

Valuations of properties within the Shire have been supplied by the Valuer General. An objection against a valuation must be lodged with the Valuer General or at the Shire Offices within 42 days of receiving a Rate Assessment Notice. The lodgement of an objection does not alter the obligation to pay the full amount of rates by the date specified in the assessment notice.

Eligible pensioners who wish to avail themselves of the Government's rate rebate scheme must pay the required portion of the rates within the particular year for which the rates were levied. Council will be paid the remaining balance by the Government. Please note that Council's Rubbish Charge is not subject to the rebate and must be paid in full.

When claiming the rebate, Pensioners are required by the Government to present their current Pensioner Concession Card. Pensioners who do not wish to take advantage of the rebate may still continue to defer payment of rates as in the past. Those people who think they may be eligible should contact the Council Offices for full details.

Please notify the Chief Executive Officer in writing of any change of address or sale of property.

When Council adopts its budget each year, it has determined which works and services are to be undertaken for the ensuing year and the amount of revenue that is needed to be raised in rates to meet its commitments. Having established the works schedule, Council is unable to approve additional works. Ratepayers who believe specific works or services should be undertaken should advise the Chief Executive Officer or their Ward Councillors before the end of March each year so that Council may consider any requests during Budget deliberations.

Copies of Council Agendas are available for public perusal on the Friday prior to the Council Meeting from the following offices:

	TOM PRICE - ADMINISTRATION CENTRE
	PANNAWONICA - LIBRARY
	PARABURDOO - LIBRARY
	ONSLOW - OFFICE / LIBRARY

	A4 20c per page (under 25 copies)
	A4 15c per page (over 25 copies)
	A3 30c per page