TCDC News Briefs

Storm damage, rates instalments, revenue and financing policy.

Storm damage assessed
Storm damage that poses a threat to life or property will take priority in the clean-up following the weekend’s weather ‘bomb’. Damage is being assessed by Thames-Coromandel District Council field representatives but the immediate priority is to prepare for yet another severe weather front due to hit the Coromandel Peninsula from tomorrow (Tuesday). The MetService says rain should become heavy tomorrow afternoon with 120 to 160mm expected in the 24 hours from 3pm Tuesday. Heaviest falls could reach 25mm per hour. Gale force northeast winds are likely in exposed places and although not expected to be as strong as on Saturday’s events, trees and buildings badly affected during the weekend storms may experience further damage.

Fortnightly direct debit for paying rates
Thames-Coromandel ratepayers can now make a direct debit payment every fortnight to pay their rates. This new option of paying fortnightly allows ratepayers to make 26 payments spread over the year. The first fortnightly direct debit will be on Thursday August 21 and payments will continue fortnightly on Thursdays. The first instalment rates notices will hit mail boxes from next Monday (August 4) and a form for direct debit payment is included in the rates notice with further information in the latest edition of the council newsletter TC Talk.

Rates rebate available
Thames-Coromandel District Council is reminding people to check if they may qualify for a rebate on their rates. A rebate of up to $530 exists depending on the amount of rates payable, level of income and other factors. The amount of rates payable includes TCDC and Environment Waikato rates and water charges. For an online tool to check if you may qualify visit www.ratesrebate.govt.nz.

Revenue and Financing Policy submissions closed
Some 130 people made submissions on the proposed changes to the council’s Revenue and Financing Policy which covers how the cost of council services are divvied up and whether there should be a shift from the current land value based rating system to capital value based. The submitters raised 520 points including concern over the affordability of rates for fixed income residents and retirees, a request to increase user pays rather than rely on rates, and a distinct lack of appetite for further large rate increases. More than 1000 letters on the policy review were sent to interested parties including ratepayer associations and a dedicated link has been created on the TCDC website www.tcdc.govt.nz under ‘consultations/draft policies’ allowing homeowners to view the potential affect on their rates of any policy change.