The DA has advised residents who disagree with their new property valuations on what to do about paying their municipal accounts, while they await the outcome of their objections.
“In the absence of any advice from council, the DA’s shadow MMC for Finance, Eddie Taylor, thought it was best for objectors to pay the rates as they appear on the bills they receive, unless there have been such gross errors on their valuations that the increase charged could not be considered reasonable,” said Angela Barnes, DA media liaison.
“The objections review of the valuation roll will take some time to complete, but during this time the metro will continue to bill residents at the new rate.
“During this process, residents have two options – to pay either the amount they have been billed, or what they believe they should be charged, in accordance with their objections.”
Once an objection has been processed, a final valuation figure will be determined.
“Should the valuation come back as lower than the rate billed upon, that person would have their account credited with the shortfall,” said Barnes.
“However, a resident whose valuation comes back at the same rate or higher, and who has been paying an estimated amount, will be expected to pay in the shortfall.”
