Rates collected beats highest for RDC

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 530, 5 April 1994, Page 1

Rates collected beats highest for RDC

Rates collected by the Ruapehu District Council was at 90 per cent of the current monies outstanding, the first time since the birth of the RDC . that such a high collection percentage has been reached. More than $5 million of the $5,773,445 rated was collected by 28 February. Rates arrears stood at more than $1.6 million as at 1 July 1993. More than 750 properties have rate arrears, with 201 properties under current repayment agreements, 149 properties with the Maori Land Court under the council' s Maori Land Policy for further research, and 100 properties under current legal action. Tenders had been received for abandoned properties in Ohura and National Park. The price tendered for the National Park property was below the reserve, which was based on the current government valuation. In his report to council, revenue manager Carl Perrin said in future reserve prices would be considered based on rates outstanding and in court costs that can be recovered. A rating sale auction had been set for 25 March for a property in Seddon Street Raetihi and a property behind H E Webb Limited. Two properties in Ohakune (one owner) would probably be sold privately without the need for an auction. At their last meeting, councillors asked if they were able to take part in property auctions. Mr Houston (CEO) said it was inappropriate for council officers to disclose reserve prices to the public or to councillors. He said if a

councillor isn't privy to such information then there was no reason why they couldn't bid for such a property at an auction. "There is no issue of pecuniary interest for you," he said.