THAMES COUNTY RATES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4420, 29 May 1922, Page 4

THAMES COUNTY RATES.

PROMPT SETTLEMENT. ; ' QUESTION OF REBATE. When the Thames County Council had passed a resolution striking the rates for the year, the question of offering some inducement for the prompt payment of rates was discussed. Cr. Faithful said that many people who could afford to pay took full advantage of the time allowed, if the Council- could give a 5 per cent, rebate it would be an incentive for payment. The local bodies should confer. Those who- paid promptly kpew that they would have to pay a share of the interest on overdraft. Cr. Cox agreed that some incentive should, be provided: It would mater-ally assist .the Council. The chairman pointed out that prompt payment would save the County Council - months’ interest at 7 per cent., but how were they to provide the rebate 1 ■ Cr. Cox : Couldn’t It be added to the penalty for non-payment ? The chairman said that the interest in the overdraft was a charge against the ratepayers, and that would be reduced. A rebate would be a good move, and it would assist the council in its financial operations. Cr. Faithful contended that the saving in interest would more'than repay the amount paid for rebate. The chairman said that ultimately the cost, if any, would not be much. Cr. McCormick asked if the six months’ grace was lawful. The clerk explained that the rates were due 14 days after the notice was issued. Cr. Cox had no time for those who would not pay their rates. The burden fell on the others. Was everything being done to get the back rates in ? The chairman explained that th 3 arrears were not over £2OO. The clerk stated that summonses had been issued in a number of case".