Tate Papworth
Brimbank ratepayers have questioned how long the council can continue charging full price for rates if, as expected, COVID-19 restrictions continue for a prolonged period.
Keilor Residents and Ratepayers Association’s John Jennison said the council was in an unenviable position.
“Currently we’re not getting full value for rates because a number of facilities just aren’t open,” he said.
“On one hand you can take a moralistic approach and ask what else the council can actually do under these circumstances.
“On the other hand you can compare it to an insurance company charging premium for a car which you’re not able to use.”
Mr Jennison said that while relief packages brought in were much needed, longer term thinking was also required.
“You wouldn’t want to see it going too much longer at the present way,” he said.
“There needs to be better explanation on what’s happening and where the money is going … an explanation of what leisure centre and library staff among others are doing with the facilities closed.”
Despite numerous closures for facilities, the council is yet to stand down any employees.
Mr Jennison said an extension to the rates period may be a more fair way to treat ratepayers.
“One of the easiest things to look at may be the rates period itself … perhaps instead of a locked 12 month period they could offer 14 months.
“This isn’t a short term thing and while there’s plans in place for immediate survival, there also needs to be a plan for rest of year and beyond.”
The council recently passed a raft of relief measure to help ratepayers who find themselves in financial trouble.
The cornerstone feature of the measures was expanding the council’s financial hardship policy to include all rateable properties in Brimbank, not just residential properties.
A hold was also placed on interest for debt accumulated during the coronavirus pandemic.
