The City of Johannesburg has to consider the current economic conditions property owners are facing as it embarks on its property Rates Policy Review process for 2016/2017 period. The policy, which is reviewed annually, defines and categorises all properties within Joburg and allows the City to generate rates revenue by assigning a tariff to the property values obtained in the General Valuation Roll.
Spokesperson for the City, Kgamanyane Maphologela said the Rates Policy Review process is done with consideration to the following factors:
- Recent interest
- Rates hikes
- The resultant reduction in disposable income
- The current high cost of living
- A slowdown in economic growth
- An increase in property owners depending on social assistance; and businesses
- Requesting more rates relief
“We are mindful that our consumers and property owners are facing difficult times and as the City, we are eager to engage our residents in policies that will be sustainable, yet beneficial, to all parties involved,” Maphologela said.
He pointed out that they also needed to ensure that tariffs were equitable, affordable to residents and in the best interest of all property owners to get involved and help to craft City of Joburg’s Rates Policy for the next coming financial year.
He added that residents could get involved in the process through various means by attending one of the Rates Policy public meeting in their area as well as to review the current policy available on the City’s website. “Residents can submit written suggestions or recommendations via email to ratescomment@joburg.org.za or through fax to 086 447 7567.
Residents can also join the discussion on social media: Twitter @GroupFinance_ and Facebook: Joburg Group Finance.
Ward 126 Councillor Mike Tonkin said that he will be attending some of the meetings that fall under his region. He urged residents to attend the meetings as important information would be imparted to residents.
“The City is always on the lookout for rate increases and also on improving service delivery and that makes it even more important for residents to attend the meeting,” Tonkin said.
He pointed out that after the meetings are held, the City will embark on numerous road shows to further spread the word and information about the outcomes of the Rates Policy Review process.
The following are the dates for the Rates Policy Review process:
- 2 February from 6pm to 8pm: Marks Park Pavillion Hall ;
- 15 February from 6pm to 8pm: Roodepoort City Hall Cnr Dieperink and Berlandia streets, Roodepoort;
- 14 February from 6pm to 8pm: Cosmo City Multi-Purpose Community Centre Angola Drive, Cosmo City.
