LIGHT Regional Council is proposing no increase to its general rate-in-the dollar charge for the third year in a row.
At last week’s meeting, elected members moved several rate-relief provisions for its ratepayers, in light of the impact of COVID-19.
For those ratepayers who have suffered hardship because of the COVID-19 event, council will postpone the payment of council rates until the December 2020 quarter.
It will also stop debt collection activities and charge no fines or interest for late payment of rates, up until the end of the calendar year.
Mayor Bill O’Brien said council will also prepare its draft 2020/2021 annual business plan and budget based on no increase to its rates.
The planned increase to the community wastewater management scheme (CWMS) annual service charge will also be halted.
“Light Regional Council will do all that it can to help our community through the COVID-19 pandemic, maintain a level of optimism and purpose and hasten economic recovery,” he said.
“In January 2021, council will review case by case each individual and business that defers rate payments.
“Depending on each one’s circumstances, council will consider further postponing payments or accept a payment plan spread over several rating quarters.
“In extreme cases, council will consider a rate remission.”
If 30 per cent of ratepayers applied for COVID-19 hardship, the total value of postponed rates for the September quarter alone would be $1,677,144.
If 50 per cent applied, the value of postponed rates for the same quarter period would be $2,795,238.
Mr O’Brien said council will be working to bring forward ‘shovel-ready’ water, tourism, road and hospitality infrastructure projects, valued at up to $600 million, in order to help stimulate jobs and spending in the local economy.
Projects include a private sector-led water re-use project, the Oscar Seppelt resort at Seppeltsfield, the Kidman International Centre at Kapunda, and $61 million worth of road transport infrastructure.
“Each of these is expected to provide immediate economic impact and leave in place lasting benefit to tourism and hospitality,” Mr O’Brien said.
“COVID-19 hurts us and tests us. None of us has seen anything like this.
“Together, we will come through it stronger and even more united.”
