Casey rates flood relief

CASEY flood victims could receive a discount in their rates or extra time to pay them thanks to the council’s Financial Hardship Policy.
Those affected by the floods in February 2011 and June 2012 are being advised to contact the council to see whether they are eligible to make arrangements for the payment of outstanding rates or charges or postpone any payment where the circumstances are satisfactory, such as times when properties were uninhabitable or certain council services were not required due to flooding.
After receiving information about one property affected by the heavy rain and flooding in June, the council resolved to enable ratepayers to apply for special consideration due to the floods.
The council’s 2012/13 rates notice will be mailed in this month and will be accompanied by a brochure which advises ratepayers who are experiencing difficulty in paying rates, for any reason, to contact the council before the payment is due to discuss alternative rate payment programs.
An officer from the council’s property, rates and valuations department will also attend the next meeting of the Casey Flood Support group scheduled for 27 September.