Council steps up action to recover outstanding rates
Date published: 14 October 2016
Townsville City Council’s Finance and Governance Committee today supported a recommendation to initiate sales proceedings on 52 properties to recover outstanding rates and charges.
The committee backed a recommendation that the council take the action after all other recovery options had been exhausted.
The unpaid rates and charges on the 52 properties, 27 of which are investment, commercial or vacant land properties, have exceeded the allowable period under the Local Government Act of three years for residential dwellings and 12 months for commercial premises.
A total of $799,816 is outstanding.
Committee chair Cr Verena Coombe said sales were rare and payment options were usually arranged in time.
“Council only initiates action to sell properties as a last resort when rates have fallen well behind,” Cr Coombe said.
“Once a Notice of Intention to Sell is issued, people usually make arrangements to pay their rates and very few properties are ever sold.
“I’d urge anyone who gets behind with their rates or is facing hardship to talk to the council as early as possible about a payment plan and that way avoid running into trouble.”
The owners have been contacted where possible and advised of the council’s intended action to recover the outstanding rates.
Property owners have three months to pay overdue rates from the date of the council issuing a Notice of Intention to Sell. The land can be sold within the following three months if no agreement is reached.
Residents can make arrangements for monthly, fortnightly or weekly instalments to stay ahead with their rates and can take advantage of the early payment discount.
More information is available for periodic payments on the council’s website or by contacting the customer service centre.
The committee’s recommendation will go to the full council meeting on October 25.
