Rates Exchange 2 March 2023 

Agenda items discussed during the meeting. 

1. Transitory Accommodation – Cairns have spoken to Sunshine Coast and received helpful information as to how they deal with this rating category. How do other Councils approach this regarding rating and compliance, how many FTE’s are required etc. 

• General Discussion and advice from Councils 

2. Rates Audit Officers – Cairns are thinking of introducing officers to help maintain data integrity and accurate rating. Do any other Councils do this and if so how many? 

• Most councils advised that they don’t have identified rates audit officers, it’s just encompassed in other roles but is a good idea. 

3. Mareeba are just wondering if any councils have any issues with properties that have large credit balances or rate payers that appear to use council as a bank? 

• Some councils have introduced or are considering introducing a charge for refund, Cassowary recently introduced one free refund per property. 

4. Cassowary Coast - Payment Arrangements - Do other Councils allow non-owners to set up a payment arrangement?  (also do NOT have third party authority) 

• General discussion and advice from councils that have had legal proceedings, there are risks involved especially around squatter’s rights. 

5. Cassowary Coast - Payment of Rates – Do other Councils allow non-owners to pay outstanding rates, or rates by the due date? (also do NOT have third party authority).  If so for both or either of these dot points, did this process form part of the budget process? 

• General discussion, most councils taking payment on production of rates notice or details from the rates notice.  

General Discussion 

• Digital version of Pensioner Concession form being trialled by Cairns, Tablelands and Moreton Bay, with some issues arising. Concessions and Centrelink have no issue with digital version as long ascouncils can prove the information is correct. 

• Sale of Land involving sovereign citizens, some councils ensure security at sale of land auctions. Most cases are paid out prior to auction.