Rates are a property based charge and are an important source of income for council, making up approximately 25% of council’s annual revenue.

Rates are used to provide and maintain services and facilities within the Wickepin shire including roads, community & recreational facilities and the administration of the shire.

There are two types of rates:

GRV – Gross Rental Valuation

A Gross Rental Valuation represents the annual rental an owner could reasonably expect for their property if it were to be leased. GRV’s are determined by a number of factors including the current rental markets and location of the property. If the land is vacant the GRV represents 5% of the capital value of the land.

UV – Unimproved Valuation

The UV represents the site or land value only of the property and does not take into consideration any dwellings or structures that may be on the land.

Objection of Valuations

Valuations are determined by the Valuer General’s Office. If you do not agree with a valuation you may lodge an objection to their office within 65 days from the date of issue of your rate notice. The shire are able to provide information regarding lodging an objection but cannot prepare or assist in the Valuer General’s decision. If an objection has been lodged rates must still be paid by the nominated due dates.

2008/09 Rates

The rates in the dollar set by council for 2008/09 are:

Payment of Rates

Rates must be paid, either in full or by installment, within 35 days of the date of issue.

There are two options which rates can be paid.

Option 1 - Payment of rates in full by due date

If you choose to pay your rates in full by the nominated due date, you will receive a 10% discount. This discount applies to the rates and sewerage portion only. Council also offer a early payment of rates incentive scheme. If your rates are paid in full (including arrears if applicable) you will go into the draw to win a prize donated to council.

Option 2 – Four Instalments

You may however choose to pay by 4 equal installments. The instalment option will come at a charge of 5.5% per annum interest plus a $5 administration fee for each additional instalment. If you choose to pay by instalments you must pay the first instalment by the due date.

The options available and the cost of each option will be shown on our first rate notice. Reminder notices for the instalments will be sent out before the instalment due date.

All overdue rates will be charged interest at 11% per annum.
Please note that only one reminder notice will be issued before legal action by council commences. All legal costs associated with the recovery of payment will be incurred by the ratepayer. Legal action is not a preferred option by council. The Shire is more than willing to assist ratepayers in meeting their obligations to pay the rates and charges. If you do experience problems paying your rates please contact the Chief Executive Officer immediately.

Special provision has been made for pensioners who pay by instalments. Pensioners are exempt from the interest conditions and may pay their rates any time prior to 30th June each year.

Pensioner & Senior Rebates/Deferments

Pensioners who meet the eligibility criteria below are entitled to claim a rebate of 50% off the current year’s rates or may defer payment of those rates. Seniors meeting the eligibility criteria may claim a rebate of up to 25%. If eligible for a rebate or deferment, rubbish charges must still be paid within 35 days of the issue of the rate notice.

If you are an eligible pensioner and/or senior during the financial year you may receive a pro rata rebate for the remaining period upon application.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for concession, an applicant must:

1. Be the owner and reside in the property on 1st July of the rating year;
2. If a pensioner, either;
   1. Be in receipt of a pension and hold a pensioner concession card or state concession card; or
   2. Hold both a seniors card issued by the Office of Senior Interests and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
3. If a senior,
   1. Hold a seniors card issued by the Office of Senior Interests.

Payment Methods

Payment methods for all shire accounts can be made either

• In Person at the shire office
  Wogolin Road
  Wickepin
  Payment accepted by cash, cheque, money order and EFTPOS
• By Mail payable to
  Shire of Wickepin
  PO Box 19
  WICKEPIN 6370
  Payment by cheque or money order.
• By Phone using credit card
  Credit cards accepted are Visa, Bankcard, Mastercard
• Via direct debit / bank transfer into the following account:                                                                       BSB - 016770                                                                                                                                   A/C - 110377466                                                                                                                           Please use your assesment or invoice  number as a reference when direct deposits are made.