FAQ
Will my Council rates be going up?
Not necessarily.
Councils use property values as the basis for distributing the rating responsibility across their ratepayer base.
Council does not automatically receive more money because property values increase. While some people may pay more or less rates, this amount is dependent on the change in value of their property relative to the overall valuation changes across the council area.
Council budgets are set annually, with a ‘rate in the dollar’ used to ensure that the required rate income is received from ratepayers.
In simple terms, calculating how much each property contributes to rates each year involves determining the total amount of income required to maintain infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, buildings, etc and provide services and dividing this across the total value of all rateable properties to establish a ‘rate in the dollar’. The value of each rateable property is then multiplied by the ‘rate in the dollar’ to calculate the rates contribution for that property.
How does Council decide what is renewed or upgraded in its renewal programs?
Through a combination of formal asset condition audits, customer requests (CRMs) received and internal analysis high priority assets are identified for renewal each year.
When we undertake this work we take into account the location, usage, connectivity, condition and typical useful life of the infrastructure.
How can people make early input and suggestions for the budget before it is framed?
| Council Member Engagement - People can contact their Council Member who can forward any priorities at sessions held throughout the year for the Long Term Financial Plan and Annual Business Plan and Budget or alternatively directly to Council at any point during the year to council@mountbarker.sa.gov.au. Long Term Financial Plan - People can also provide inputs and suggestions as part of this public consultation process for the Long Term Financial Plan. Consultation usually takes place in November each year. |
How can I see what infrastructure works are included in this year’s Annual Business Plan?
Click here for a searchable e-map that shows the individual projects included in this year’s capital works program.
How will my input make a difference?
Your feedback will be provided to Council to inform their final decision when adopting the Annual Business Plan and Budget 2023/24.
What happens after I make a submission?
All submissions will be acknowledged, either by email or in writing, so that you know your comments have been received.
You can also make a submission or talk to your submission at the public meeting, Monday 29 May, 6pm - 7:pm at the Mount Barker Council Chamber, 6 Dutton Road, Mount Barker. Contact us on 8393 6470 if you wish to talk at the public meeting.
Mount Barker District Council staff will collate all feedback into a report that will be presented to Council Members for consideration as part of finalising the Annual Business Plan and Budget 2023/24.