Albany caught up in rates row

The City of Albany has been caught up in another rates row, being named as one of 22 local governments in WA which were found to have illegally levied more than $27 million in rates.

But the City of Albany has stated it will not need to refund any rates, and ratepayers will not be affected.

The State Government has taken legal action against 22 councils after an audit found they failed to obtain ministerial approval before setting differential rates or minimum rates in their 2011-12 budgets.

While about $475,000 will likely need to be refunded across the 22 local governments, the City of Albany has said its ratepayers will not be affected.

City chief executive Faileen James said confidential mediation had occurred between the City, the State Solicitor’s Office and the Department of Local Government and as a result the City would be required to undertake some procedural steps required by the minister.

“The City ratepayers will not be affected,” she said.

“The City will not need to refund any rates to anybody.”

In August last year, the City came under fire after a confidential letter leaked to the Advertiser revealed its $50 waste levy on rural and vacant land was considered by the Department of Local Government to be unlawful.

The City did not remove the charge, despite advice from Local Government Minister John Castrilli to do so, instead relying on its own legal advice which said the charge was lawful.

A similar $50 Waste Facilities Maintenance rate, which has been endorsed by the department, is expected to be introduced in the upcoming budget.

The City is also expected to introduce a four per cent rate rise, which it claims is the lowest in four years.

Approximate expenditure figures in the City’s draft budget include $4.4 million for flood management and drainage projects, $4 million for the Albany Airport project, $2.9 million for road repair and improvement and $2.1 million for waste management work.

The draft budget papers were made available on the City of Albany website yesterday.

The proposed budget is due to be considered at next Tuesday’s council meeting.

keir.tunbridge@albanyadvertiser.com