Rating policy

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Consultation has concluded

More than 80% of revenue received by Council is derived through the levy of rates. The budget included within the draft Annual Business Plan provides for a general rate increase of 1.5% over that of the current year.

This 1.5% incorporates estimated inflation of 1.5% and 1.0% for additional capital renewal works. A reduction of 1% has also been incorporated to remove the Sampson Flat bushfire amount provided for in 2015/16 to counter the additional costs that were incurred.

The Draft Rate Policy proposes a change to the current mix of fixed charge and variable rate. This change does not increase Council’s total rate revenue, but increases the base level of contribution made by all property owners to the services that council provides.

The following graph and table present a detailed impact of the changes to the fixed charge, by category of policy.

If you would like to ask a question or make a comment, but don't want it to appear on this site, email us direct at mail@ahc.sa.gov.au.

Sending a formal submission

Formal submissions can be mailed to us at PO Box 44, Woodside SA 5244 or sent by email to mail@ahc.sa.gov.au.

More than 80% of revenue received by Council is derived through the levy of rates. The budget included within the draft Annual Business Plan provides for a general rate increase of 1.5% over that of the current year.

This 1.5% incorporates estimated inflation of 1.5% and 1.0% for additional capital renewal works. A reduction of 1% has also been incorporated to remove the Sampson Flat bushfire amount provided for in 2015/16 to counter the additional costs that were incurred.

The Draft Rate Policy proposes a change to the current mix of fixed charge and variable rate. This change does not increase Council’s total rate revenue, but increases the base level of contribution made by all property owners to the services that council provides.

The following graph and table present a detailed impact of the changes to the fixed charge, by category of policy.

If you would like to ask a question or make a comment, but don't want it to appear on this site, email us direct at mail@ahc.sa.gov.au.

Sending a formal submission

Formal submissions can be mailed to us at PO Box 44, Woodside SA 5244 or sent by email to mail@ahc.sa.gov.au.

Consultation has concluded
  • Share Hi I feel that you rate increase is too low. I would have thought with all your road network and its related infrastructure that a CPI plus 1.00% would be more than reasonable to ensure that the council assets are kept in a good condition. Also considering much of the council area has restricted ability to be developed and therefore you ability to generated increased revenues in the future from the rates base is not the same as other council areas, I would have thought it would more important to increase rates above CPI. Please tell me the council has not taken a short term view with regard to rate increases, especially considering the current political discussion on rates capping. I already feel the council is under pressure to maintain its road infrastructure with many roads in my area still unsealed after 30 years after I moved into the area. Rates increases well outside CPI are not acceptable as are too lower increases. I think most reasonable residents would accept an increase within 1 or 2 precent of CPI as being reasonable considering the cost pressures on council. regards Gary on Facebook Share Hi I feel that you rate increase is too low. I would have thought with all your road network and its related infrastructure that a CPI plus 1.00% would be more than reasonable to ensure that the council assets are kept in a good condition. Also considering much of the council area has restricted ability to be developed and therefore you ability to generated increased revenues in the future from the rates base is not the same as other council areas, I would have thought it would more important to increase rates above CPI. Please tell me the council has not taken a short term view with regard to rate increases, especially considering the current political discussion on rates capping. I already feel the council is under pressure to maintain its road infrastructure with many roads in my area still unsealed after 30 years after I moved into the area. Rates increases well outside CPI are not acceptable as are too lower increases. I think most reasonable residents would accept an increase within 1 or 2 precent of CPI as being reasonable considering the cost pressures on council. regards Gary on Twitter Share Hi I feel that you rate increase is too low. I would have thought with all your road network and its related infrastructure that a CPI plus 1.00% would be more than reasonable to ensure that the council assets are kept in a good condition. Also considering much of the council area has restricted ability to be developed and therefore you ability to generated increased revenues in the future from the rates base is not the same as other council areas, I would have thought it would more important to increase rates above CPI. Please tell me the council has not taken a short term view with regard to rate increases, especially considering the current political discussion on rates capping. I already feel the council is under pressure to maintain its road infrastructure with many roads in my area still unsealed after 30 years after I moved into the area. Rates increases well outside CPI are not acceptable as are too lower increases. I think most reasonable residents would accept an increase within 1 or 2 precent of CPI as being reasonable considering the cost pressures on council. regards Gary on Linkedin Email Hi I feel that you rate increase is too low. I would have thought with all your road network and its related infrastructure that a CPI plus 1.00% would be more than reasonable to ensure that the council assets are kept in a good condition. Also considering much of the council area has restricted ability to be developed and therefore you ability to generated increased revenues in the future from the rates base is not the same as other council areas, I would have thought it would more important to increase rates above CPI. Please tell me the council has not taken a short term view with regard to rate increases, especially considering the current political discussion on rates capping. I already feel the council is under pressure to maintain its road infrastructure with many roads in my area still unsealed after 30 years after I moved into the area. Rates increases well outside CPI are not acceptable as are too lower increases. I think most reasonable residents would accept an increase within 1 or 2 precent of CPI as being reasonable considering the cost pressures on council. regards Gary link

    Hi I feel that you rate increase is too low. I would have thought with all your road network and its related infrastructure that a CPI plus 1.00% would be more than reasonable to ensure that the council assets are kept in a good condition. Also considering much of the council area has restricted ability to be developed and therefore you ability to generated increased revenues in the future from the rates base is not the same as other council areas, I would have thought it would more important to increase rates above CPI. Please tell me the council has not taken a short term view with regard to rate increases, especially considering the current political discussion on rates capping. I already feel the council is under pressure to maintain its road infrastructure with many roads in my area still unsealed after 30 years after I moved into the area. Rates increases well outside CPI are not acceptable as are too lower increases. I think most reasonable residents would accept an increase within 1 or 2 precent of CPI as being reasonable considering the cost pressures on council. regards Gary

    Rates increase asked over 8 years ago

    Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on the development of the Annual Business Plan for 2016/17. Please be assured that in setting the rates for 2016/17 that a long term view was taken. As highlighted within the Plan the budget for next year aligns strongly with the recently reviewed Long Term Financial Plan that has been developed to ensure both ongoing financial sustainability and asset renewal.

    The increase of 1.5% incorporates estimated inflation of 1.5% and 1.0% for additional capital renewal works. A reduction of 1% has also been incorporated to remove the Sampson Flat bushfire amount provided for in 2015/16 to counter the additional costs that were incurred.

  • Share I have no major concern with paying a fair and reasonable rate amount, but I object to other payments we are obliged to make. In this case I am talking about water rates. I would like the council to add it's weight to the argument. We have a domestic septic system but we are ordered to pay $106 every quarter because the sewerage runs past our house. When questioning this $424 per year for absolutely nothing we are always told that this links to legislation from 1930 saying that if it's available you must pay a service charge. Obviously that's nonsense! Next we'll all get charged bus fares for the bus because it runs near our house, or for pay television whether we have it or not because it's available. In fact the list is endless of things we could pay for because they are available but which we in fact don't use at all. Why am I writing all this in the council rates section. Because we have tired of complaining to SA Water and because the access charge is linked to our property value. I know the Valuer General sets this price, but I have discovered there are other Hills Council residents paying ridiculous amounts to SA Water for non existent services. How about using some our rates money to pressure SA Water to stop. on Facebook Share I have no major concern with paying a fair and reasonable rate amount, but I object to other payments we are obliged to make. In this case I am talking about water rates. I would like the council to add it's weight to the argument. We have a domestic septic system but we are ordered to pay $106 every quarter because the sewerage runs past our house. When questioning this $424 per year for absolutely nothing we are always told that this links to legislation from 1930 saying that if it's available you must pay a service charge. Obviously that's nonsense! Next we'll all get charged bus fares for the bus because it runs near our house, or for pay television whether we have it or not because it's available. In fact the list is endless of things we could pay for because they are available but which we in fact don't use at all. Why am I writing all this in the council rates section. Because we have tired of complaining to SA Water and because the access charge is linked to our property value. I know the Valuer General sets this price, but I have discovered there are other Hills Council residents paying ridiculous amounts to SA Water for non existent services. How about using some our rates money to pressure SA Water to stop. on Twitter Share I have no major concern with paying a fair and reasonable rate amount, but I object to other payments we are obliged to make. In this case I am talking about water rates. I would like the council to add it's weight to the argument. We have a domestic septic system but we are ordered to pay $106 every quarter because the sewerage runs past our house. When questioning this $424 per year for absolutely nothing we are always told that this links to legislation from 1930 saying that if it's available you must pay a service charge. Obviously that's nonsense! Next we'll all get charged bus fares for the bus because it runs near our house, or for pay television whether we have it or not because it's available. In fact the list is endless of things we could pay for because they are available but which we in fact don't use at all. Why am I writing all this in the council rates section. Because we have tired of complaining to SA Water and because the access charge is linked to our property value. I know the Valuer General sets this price, but I have discovered there are other Hills Council residents paying ridiculous amounts to SA Water for non existent services. How about using some our rates money to pressure SA Water to stop. on Linkedin Email I have no major concern with paying a fair and reasonable rate amount, but I object to other payments we are obliged to make. In this case I am talking about water rates. I would like the council to add it's weight to the argument. We have a domestic septic system but we are ordered to pay $106 every quarter because the sewerage runs past our house. When questioning this $424 per year for absolutely nothing we are always told that this links to legislation from 1930 saying that if it's available you must pay a service charge. Obviously that's nonsense! Next we'll all get charged bus fares for the bus because it runs near our house, or for pay television whether we have it or not because it's available. In fact the list is endless of things we could pay for because they are available but which we in fact don't use at all. Why am I writing all this in the council rates section. Because we have tired of complaining to SA Water and because the access charge is linked to our property value. I know the Valuer General sets this price, but I have discovered there are other Hills Council residents paying ridiculous amounts to SA Water for non existent services. How about using some our rates money to pressure SA Water to stop. link

    I have no major concern with paying a fair and reasonable rate amount, but I object to other payments we are obliged to make. In this case I am talking about water rates. I would like the council to add it's weight to the argument. We have a domestic septic system but we are ordered to pay $106 every quarter because the sewerage runs past our house. When questioning this $424 per year for absolutely nothing we are always told that this links to legislation from 1930 saying that if it's available you must pay a service charge. Obviously that's nonsense! Next we'll all get charged bus fares for the bus because it runs near our house, or for pay television whether we have it or not because it's available. In fact the list is endless of things we could pay for because they are available but which we in fact don't use at all. Why am I writing all this in the council rates section. Because we have tired of complaining to SA Water and because the access charge is linked to our property value. I know the Valuer General sets this price, but I have discovered there are other Hills Council residents paying ridiculous amounts to SA Water for non existent services. How about using some our rates money to pressure SA Water to stop.

    Luc asked over 8 years ago

    Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback as part of the consultation process. This feedback will be considered at a Council meeting on 28 June 2016 prior to finalising the Budget for 2016/17.

  • Share I cannot follow your chart nor explanation how the poor will pay more council rates with the planned fixed charge increasing dramatically and the rich pay less. This is the sort of confusing issue the State Govt do well; deception seems to be standard practice. I could not find an explanation on your website. 10 years ago the fixed charge was $230; your proposal of $600 is outrageous. Council rates are now our biggest fixed cost cf electricity, water, vehicle registration, telephone etc ie normal cost of living items. However with these other items we at least get something. on Facebook Share I cannot follow your chart nor explanation how the poor will pay more council rates with the planned fixed charge increasing dramatically and the rich pay less. This is the sort of confusing issue the State Govt do well; deception seems to be standard practice. I could not find an explanation on your website. 10 years ago the fixed charge was $230; your proposal of $600 is outrageous. Council rates are now our biggest fixed cost cf electricity, water, vehicle registration, telephone etc ie normal cost of living items. However with these other items we at least get something. on Twitter Share I cannot follow your chart nor explanation how the poor will pay more council rates with the planned fixed charge increasing dramatically and the rich pay less. This is the sort of confusing issue the State Govt do well; deception seems to be standard practice. I could not find an explanation on your website. 10 years ago the fixed charge was $230; your proposal of $600 is outrageous. Council rates are now our biggest fixed cost cf electricity, water, vehicle registration, telephone etc ie normal cost of living items. However with these other items we at least get something. on Linkedin Email I cannot follow your chart nor explanation how the poor will pay more council rates with the planned fixed charge increasing dramatically and the rich pay less. This is the sort of confusing issue the State Govt do well; deception seems to be standard practice. I could not find an explanation on your website. 10 years ago the fixed charge was $230; your proposal of $600 is outrageous. Council rates are now our biggest fixed cost cf electricity, water, vehicle registration, telephone etc ie normal cost of living items. However with these other items we at least get something. link

    I cannot follow your chart nor explanation how the poor will pay more council rates with the planned fixed charge increasing dramatically and the rich pay less. This is the sort of confusing issue the State Govt do well; deception seems to be standard practice. I could not find an explanation on your website. 10 years ago the fixed charge was $230; your proposal of $600 is outrageous. Council rates are now our biggest fixed cost cf electricity, water, vehicle registration, telephone etc ie normal cost of living items. However with these other items we at least get something.

    D c w asked over 8 years ago

    Thankyou for the feedback and please be assured that Adelaide Hills Council is doing all that it can to explain the proposed changes to the Rating Policy, and in addition to the consultation outlined on this website, last night also endorsed the establishment of six listening posts that will be held next week across the district.

    As mentioned in the draft Rate Policy there is a proposed change to the current mix of fixed charge and variable rate. This change, which includes a proposed increase in the fixed charge from $433 in 2015/16 to a level of $600 in 2016/17, does not increase Council’s total rate revenue, but is designed to increase the base level of contribution made by all property owners to the services that council provides.

    The fixed charge provides a mechanism to recognise that all properties have access to “core” Council services, regardless of valuation, and therefore should make a contribution to the cost of those services. In addition, the fixed charge provides a mechanism to ‘adjust’ the rates contributions across high and low valued properties to redresses the balance and equity of the rate system.

    This proposed change in the fixed charge reflects objectives sought by Elected Members at a number of rating workshops that have been undertaken during the current financial year and would result in the following:

    • An increase in the contribution that all ratepayers make to the base level of services provided by Council. At present approximately 24% of general rate revenue is received through the fixed charge and an increase would raise that percentage to 32% which, whilst still well short of the 50% maximum contribution stipulated within the Local Government Act, does shift towards the cost of providing a base level of services.
    • An offsetting reduction in the rate in the dollar applied to all properties within the Council area. This would provide some relief to those properties with high capital values, in particular primary production properties.
    • An average increase in the amount of rates paid by properties classified as vacant land, in particular residential vacant land.
  • Share how is it that we pay council rates to this broken down, greedy council and you still expect us to pay for Verrall road bitumen sealing, this is your road, council never asked us if we can afford this extra expense to be added to our already over the top rates. we have our rubbish collected by this council (only when your contractor feels like it, they constantly miss bin pick ups), you don't maintain the Northern end of Verrall road at all, there are no gutters for you to clean, there is a drain but it never cleaned out, it is always full of debris, the council land between properties and Verrall road is over grown and full of Olive trees, dead trees and all sorts of weeds , there are no white lines on the road BUT you did have them painted on the existing southern end of Verrall road and road edges cleaned as well. So my questions are, Why does only the southern end of Verrall road have lines painted and road edges cleaned? What do we get for the rate money we pay you already? When did council ask us formally if we can afford this extra rate? Where is my signature on a formal agreement or contract for this rate or work to be done on Verrall road? Why wasn't i asked if this is something i was will to pay for? on Facebook Share how is it that we pay council rates to this broken down, greedy council and you still expect us to pay for Verrall road bitumen sealing, this is your road, council never asked us if we can afford this extra expense to be added to our already over the top rates. we have our rubbish collected by this council (only when your contractor feels like it, they constantly miss bin pick ups), you don't maintain the Northern end of Verrall road at all, there are no gutters for you to clean, there is a drain but it never cleaned out, it is always full of debris, the council land between properties and Verrall road is over grown and full of Olive trees, dead trees and all sorts of weeds , there are no white lines on the road BUT you did have them painted on the existing southern end of Verrall road and road edges cleaned as well. So my questions are, Why does only the southern end of Verrall road have lines painted and road edges cleaned? What do we get for the rate money we pay you already? When did council ask us formally if we can afford this extra rate? Where is my signature on a formal agreement or contract for this rate or work to be done on Verrall road? Why wasn't i asked if this is something i was will to pay for? on Twitter Share how is it that we pay council rates to this broken down, greedy council and you still expect us to pay for Verrall road bitumen sealing, this is your road, council never asked us if we can afford this extra expense to be added to our already over the top rates. we have our rubbish collected by this council (only when your contractor feels like it, they constantly miss bin pick ups), you don't maintain the Northern end of Verrall road at all, there are no gutters for you to clean, there is a drain but it never cleaned out, it is always full of debris, the council land between properties and Verrall road is over grown and full of Olive trees, dead trees and all sorts of weeds , there are no white lines on the road BUT you did have them painted on the existing southern end of Verrall road and road edges cleaned as well. So my questions are, Why does only the southern end of Verrall road have lines painted and road edges cleaned? What do we get for the rate money we pay you already? When did council ask us formally if we can afford this extra rate? Where is my signature on a formal agreement or contract for this rate or work to be done on Verrall road? Why wasn't i asked if this is something i was will to pay for? on Linkedin Email how is it that we pay council rates to this broken down, greedy council and you still expect us to pay for Verrall road bitumen sealing, this is your road, council never asked us if we can afford this extra expense to be added to our already over the top rates. we have our rubbish collected by this council (only when your contractor feels like it, they constantly miss bin pick ups), you don't maintain the Northern end of Verrall road at all, there are no gutters for you to clean, there is a drain but it never cleaned out, it is always full of debris, the council land between properties and Verrall road is over grown and full of Olive trees, dead trees and all sorts of weeds , there are no white lines on the road BUT you did have them painted on the existing southern end of Verrall road and road edges cleaned as well. So my questions are, Why does only the southern end of Verrall road have lines painted and road edges cleaned? What do we get for the rate money we pay you already? When did council ask us formally if we can afford this extra rate? Where is my signature on a formal agreement or contract for this rate or work to be done on Verrall road? Why wasn't i asked if this is something i was will to pay for? link

    how is it that we pay council rates to this broken down, greedy council and you still expect us to pay for Verrall road bitumen sealing, this is your road, council never asked us if we can afford this extra expense to be added to our already over the top rates. we have our rubbish collected by this council (only when your contractor feels like it, they constantly miss bin pick ups), you don't maintain the Northern end of Verrall road at all, there are no gutters for you to clean, there is a drain but it never cleaned out, it is always full of debris, the council land between properties and Verrall road is over grown and full of Olive trees, dead trees and all sorts of weeds , there are no white lines on the road BUT you did have them painted on the existing southern end of Verrall road and road edges cleaned as well. So my questions are, Why does only the southern end of Verrall road have lines painted and road edges cleaned? What do we get for the rate money we pay you already? When did council ask us formally if we can afford this extra rate? Where is my signature on a formal agreement or contract for this rate or work to be done on Verrall road? Why wasn't i asked if this is something i was will to pay for?

    John Coyne asked over 8 years ago

    Thank you for the feedback provided above. In relation to your questions on the separate rate for Verrall Road these will be considered by the Council prior to adopting rating policy for 2016/17. If you would also like the opportunity to speak to the points raised above, one hour of the meeting held at Stirling Council Chambers this Tuesday night at 6:30pm will be made available for feedback to be provided in person.

    Your questions in relation to maintenance have been provided to the appropriate people and further information on these matters will be forwarded to you as soon as possible.