Resident issues ‘please explain’ on rates notice

A HOPPERS Crossing resident is demanding Wyndham Council explain why his rates have increased almost 50per cent when the announced average rate rise was just 5.5per cent.

Greg Nicopoulos recently received a rates bill which was 43per cent higher than last year.

Mr Nicopoulos said the increase came as a massive shock because the council’s 2012-13 budget said rates would rise by 5.5per cent.

“I find it strange that they are quoting a 5.5per cent average [increase] when some people are getting [notices] for more that that. The council has well publicised that rate increases for the 2012-13 financial year have been kept under control … yet my rates increased by so much.”

He said he was aware properties in Wyndham had been revalued as part of this year’s rating process. But he doubted the value of his house had increased so greatly since the last valuation two years ago. “I have a larger property than most, but to me that is irrelevant. I don’t know why my rates have gone up so much.”

Municipal Association of Victoria president Bill McArthur said it was normal for some properties to receive a rates notice that was much higher than their council’s average rate rise.

“This will be offset by other properties paying less than the average rate rise for their municipality. Property values are used to allocate how much each property owner will contribute, based on the value of their property relative to other properties in their municipality.”

Mr Nicopoulos said he would appeal the increase.

The council did not respond before the Weekly went online.