Rates refund for Waiouru

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 446, 28 July 1992, Page 1

Rates refund for Waiouru

BY

' JAN

SAVELL

Waiouru ratepayers will be getting a pleasant surprise in their mailbox soon. Land values for Waiouru residential properties have been revised downwards and a refund for extra charges over the period July 1991 to June 1992 will be due to them. Re-assessment of residential land values was prompted by a petition organised by resident "Lofty" Wright. 52 residents signed the petition protesting at the values set in the October 1990 revaluation, which led to rates increases of up to 390 per cent for some. Mark Johannsen of Valuation New Zealand

acknowledged the error made and explained some of the difficulties in setting values for a small community. "In 1990, at the time of the valuation, Waiouru had two saies of land and another two in the pipeline," Mark Johannsen said. "One of the definite saies and both projected ones were at a high level. The other sale was at the level we now use. Unfortunately the higher level was adopted and values for all properties were based on this." "When the revised values were released a petition was received. In the meantime both projected saies had fallen Turn to page 2

Rates refund for Waiouru residents

From page 1 through. We re-assessed the situation and found that we couldn't uphold the higher levels." "The valuer general has now given approval and the land values of all Waiouru residential properties are being lowered. This brings Waiouru values into line with similar properties in Ohakune and Taihape." Capital values for the properties remain the same. However since it is the land value component that rates are calculated on, residents are in line for a refund from the Ruapehu District Council. If no objections are received within 28 days the new values will be

confirmed. At that stage the Ruapehu District Council will do a new assessment for the rates and advise ratepayers of the refund due. This recalculation for the 53 properties involved, is expected to be completed within a month of the confirmation of valv ues. Mr Wright pointed out that throughout their investigations he found Valuation New Zealand ready to listen. He said they were very helpful, explaining fully the procedures involved. The council heard last Friday that the revised values will mean the council will receive about $6000 less in rates from the ratepayers affected.