EXCESS RATES.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20184, 12 March 1931, Page 8

EXCESS RATES.

DRAINAGE BOARD AND LOCAL BODIES. BASIS OF ADJUSTMENT PROPOSED. « . ..... &. The method suggested by the Finance Committee of the Christchurch Drainage Board for the readjustment of rates "allegedly collected in excess of the Board's was contained in a letter from" the secretary of the Board, Mr C. F. Champion, which was before last night's meeting of the Waimairi County Council. That body approved of the suggested method, and appointed Ors. C. E. Cross (County Chairman), J, Liggins, W> G. Chapman, and the County Clerk (Mr G. S. Cowper), the Council's delegates to the conference to be held when the local authorities concerned have considered the ' Board's letter and statements. Board's Letter. Following is the text of tlxe Board's letter: — ' - I "Eef erring. to the claims by, the Eiccarton Borough Council and other local authorities concerned, for sf refund of special area rates alleged-., ly collected in excess of the Board's , requirements, I have to inform you that statements have been prepared covering the period from 1925-26 to " and including the " current year, set-, ting forth details of rates assessed: and collected in respect of each local authority in the Board's special rating area. The Board has directed me to forward a copy "of these for your information. "The chairman proposes to call a conference, at an .early date, of all thoBC concerned, .with a view to deciding what action, if any, is necessary to adjust matters. < "A proposal has been made by the Board's Finance Conhnittco that statements, on the lines of those enclosed, be prepared' every seven years, and that adjustments be made in accordance with the results obtained. This procedure would require legislation, as it would entail a differential rate in the special area. It is not proposed that cash refunds, or otherwise, bo made, but that the amouuts. be deducted from, or added to, as the case plight be, the sum required from the district Of each local authority in the special area. "This proposal is passed on for your consideration, and can be fully discussed at the conference in due course." ' The County Clerk expressed the opinion that the method suggested was the only way mattery could be adjusted. Statement of Excess Payments, The second: statement gave the following information regarding excess payments, for the period 1925-6 to 193031 (shillings and pence omitted):—- • * i Actual Appar- Excess ent credited Excess. Back. ' £ £ City Council .8842 ,3849 Eiccarton Borough .. 3058 1967 Waimairi County ... - 5198 Heathcote County .. 154 107 s . Iri respect of the City Council £3349 more bad been credited back; in the case of the Eiccarton Borough £1092 less had been credited back: in the case 'of the Waimairi CountjT£l467 less had been credited back; and in the case of the Heathcote County £47 less had been credited back.