[Emma Murphy]

Hi,
The wheels are currently in motion for our Shire to gain about 400 (ish) assessments from a boundary adjustment, both Council’s are mutual agreed to this adjustment, and the word is that it could all be done and dusted by December. It will include one village, with some businesses, and some farmland (that I know of).

Just wondering if other Councils have experienced this, and if so, any suggestions on things to look out for and be aware of? For both sides of the boundary.

Things that are running through my mind are:
*arrears
*the 18/19 rates (especially if the official date is 1/12/18)
*Statement of Compliance
*rate categories
etc

[Andrew Butcher]

Hi Emma
Happy to assist you with this if necessary. Campbelltown and Camden had a similar change but only about 200 assessments. The rates transition went extremely well, we set up reports to track any rogue payments and simply sent them on if paid to the wrong council. DA’s and driveway crossings were the worst items to deal with as there are rules around principle certifying authorities that may come into play.
It is important that the arrears of rates and charges and payments for DA’s are clearly identified in an agreement between the GM’s. Certificates 603 149’s 735A 121zp etc also should have some notation regarding the transition.
One council will lose the amount of rates transfered to the other.
As far as I am aware the rating categories will need to comply with your structure once moved, if farmland then reassess and depends on your business centre of activities.
The most important thing to consider is your GM agreement and to consult with the community, we did a stakeholder update that went to every affected property and had very few issues.
I hope thi is helpful.

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