RATE REDUCTION

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 21, 17 September 1931, Page 3

RATE REDUCTION

TOWN CLERK ANSWERS MR. G. STEELE'S LETTER SPECIAL RATING AREA A statement made by a correspondent to the "Post," Mr George Steele, that although a 10 per cent. reduction in the rates has been made by the Rotorua Borough Council, this reduction has not been applied in his own case, was answered by the Town Clerk, Mr. W. A. McLean yesterday. The correspondent had omitted to Imention, Mr Mc'^ean ptated, that the properties referred to, in his letter to the "Post" and to which the rate demands produced referred, were situated in a special drainage area on which a special rate to cover sewerage and drainage improvements had been levied. This accounted entirely for the increased rates paid by Mr. Steele. There had definitely been a 10 per cent. reduction in the general, hospital, fire prevention, publicity . and amusement, and library rate, Mr McLean stated, and if Mr Steele had not been within the special rating area already mentioned, he would have felt the effect of this reduction to its full extent. As it was, however, a special rate of 2-5d in the £ had been levied on the capital value of the properties within the area, together with a £2 flat charge on each property connected with the sewerage; these extra charges were necessary to cover inter est and sinking fund charges on the special sewerage loan raised in connection with the special rating area.