Rates are calculated by multiplying a property’s valuation by the rate in the dollar set by Council. The valuation for each property is determined by the Valuer General and is either a Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV).
Gross Rental Value (GRV) is the fair annual rental value of your property and is an estimate of how much you could expect to receive if you were to rent your property. Where the property is vacant land, an equivalent GRV, based on 3% of the property value, is used.
For properties situated in the City of Kalamunda, the Unimproved Value (UV) is the site value of the land. In general, this means the value of the land as if it were vacant with no improvements except for merged improvements. Merged improvements relate to improvements such as clearing, draining and filling.
For Example: Gross Rental Value = $16,500 Rate in the Dollar = .074314 cents (GRV – General) Annual Rates amount = $16,500 x .074314 = $1,226.18 (Minimum rates may apply)
Unimproved Value = $375,000 Rate in the Dollar = 0.003706 cents (UV – General) Annual Rates amount = $375,000 x 0.003706 = $1,389.75(Minimum rates may apply)
Every three years, all properties within the metropolitan area are assessed at the same date, by valuers at Landgate to ensure a fair and equitable assessment. The data collected is used to calculate the Gross Rental Value (GRV) of each property. A revaluation was applied to all properties for the 2020/2021 financial year.
For the 2022/23 financial year, there is an overall rate increase of 4.9% for all categories with the exception of the Industrial/Commercial category that will have an increase of 5.5%.
The information below explains the reasons for the increase this year;
The City’s revenue comes predominantly from rates. This year sees the City faced with some significant challenges, characterised by rapidly increasing costs (Perth CPI up 7.6%), significant increases in fuel costs, and significant increases in building and construction costs, and road and bridge construction costs. This has resulted in increased costs to deliver services to the community and our substantial Capital Works Program.
Importantly, all Local Governments are measured regarding their financial sustainability. As a consequence of the rate freeze in 2020/21 and lower than projected rate increases for 2021/22, the City needs to better align operating revenues with operating expenditures, in order to ensure that the we remain financially sustainable.
As part of the budget process for 2022/2023, there have been costs savings made, along with innovations, in order to keep costs as low as possible. However, an increase in rates was still required to ensure that we can deliver the services and facilities that the community needs in a financially sustainable manner.
Rates are due and payable either in full, or by 2 or 4 instalments by the due date.
You may apply for a payment arrangement by direct debit.
If you have a current Smarter Way to Pay agreement with the City this will continue as normal.
If you wish to make a new a payment arrangement, please contact the City’s rates department.
Please note: Penalty interest of 7% per annum will accrue daily on the balance of the overdue account, until it is fully paid.
If you feel that the valuation applied to your property is incorrect, you can lodge an objection with Landgate’s Valuer General’s Office, within 60 days of the issue of your rates notice.
For more information, please contact the Valuer General’s Office on (08) 9273 7373.
All property owners in Western Australia contribute to fire and emergency services through the Emergency Services Levy (ESL).
Local Governments collect the levy on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). All funds collected are forwarded directly to DFES, who then redistribute the money to emergency services throughout the State.
For further information on the Emergency Services Levy please contact DFES on 1300 136 099 or visit their website: www.dfes.wa.gov.
Landgate has further information on the valuations for rating and taxing on their website: www.landgate.wa.gov.au
The entry pass is enclosed with the annual rate notice that is issued in July each year.
Please note, if you misplace or throw away your entry pass, there may be a replacement charge required to be paid at the Council’s administration building before entry to the Transfer Station can be permitted.
If you are registered with Council (and approved) for a full Pensioner concession you will also receive a discount for the first Refuse Bin and this will be capped at $247.00. Therefore, the cost of the bin will be $362.20.
Different refuse charges apply for commercial and industrial categories.
If you order a Refuse and Recycle service during the year, you will be charged at a pro-rata charge from the date that the bin is ordered.
The waste collection charge includes the collection and disposal of:
The City is charged a fee for all credit card payments and this fee of 0.46% is on-charged to ratepayers.
Eligibility Criteria – to be eligible for a concession under the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments Act) 1992:
A pro-rata rebate may be available from the date of registration for eligible registered Pensioners and Seniors who become eligible after 1 July of the current rating year.
If your circumstances change, particularly with respect to your ownership or occupancy of the property, or your eligibility as a Pensioner or Senior, you must notify the City or the Water Corporation. Your registration will be cancelled or amended as appropriate.
Register Concessions: Ratepayers can now register for their concession on the internet via watercorporation.com.au or apply over the phone to the Water Corporation on 1300 659 951. Concessions only apply once your application is received and registered.
The portion of the Rates and Charges for Concession card holders are due and payable as per any other Ratepayer either in full or by instalment by the due date shown on the rate notice, or by payment arrangement suitable to the City. If not paid by close of business 30 June 2023 the rebate is forfeited.
For further information please contact the Rates Department rates@kalamunda.wa.gov.au
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