How are my rates calculated?

• Rates are calculated by multiplying the Gross Rental Value (GRV) by the Rate in the dollar.
• The GRV is an estimate of the rent a property could earn in a year. Where a property is vacant, the GRV is calculated as 5% of the market value of the land.
• The Council sets the rate in the dollar when it adopts the budget.

Who decides the GRV and can I challenge it?

The Valuer General’s Office is responsible for providing Gross Rental Values for every property in each Local Authority.  This is reviewed every three years and was most recently done this year.

If you believe that your property has been incorrectly valued you may lodge an objection with the Valuer General’s Office.  Contact details are:

A quick test is to divide the GRV (located at the top right of the rates notice) by 52.  This amount is equal to the weekly rent that the Valuer General believes your property could obtain if it were available to rent.

Objections must be lodged within 60 days after the rates notice is issued.  Objections may only be made in relation to the GRV, not the rate in the dollar or other charges.

The City of Melville is not permitted to alter property valuations except on the advice of the Valuer General's Office.

 
How is the rate in the dollar calculated?

The rate in the dollar is set when Council adopts the budget prior to the issue of the rate notices and is not changed during the financial year. The budget process determines the cost of all the services provided and consequently the level of income needed to generate from rates to sustain those services.  The income from rates represents a little under half the total income for the City of Melville. The balance comes from interest, grants, fees & charges and reserve transfers.

Does this mean my rates may be different to my neighbours’?

The Valuer General’s Office assigns individual GRV’s to each and every property and therefore your GRV may be different from your neighbours’.

What is a minimum rate?

To ensure that all ratepayers make at least a minimum contribution to the cost of providing the services that are available to the community.

What is the latest date I can pay and still receive the discount?

The discount due date is shown separately on your rate notice, and is earlier than in previous years.  Discounts are not available after this date.