HIGHER RATE LEVY

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 995, 11 June 1930, Page 11

HIGHER RATE LEVY

MOUNT ALBERT FINANCES DISCUSSED BETTER GENERAL POSITION While reductions have been brought about on the ordinary items for rating, dispensations over which the Mount Albert Borough Council has no control have brought an increased rating on unimproved value in the borough. The council last evening declared a rate of 9 4-5 d in the pound, an increase of three-fifths of a penny on the figure last year. Councillors generally agreed that the affairs of the borough were being managed successfully, as the increase was through amounts outside borough jurisdiction. Another issue of the rating in the borough was introduced by Mr. W. Russell, who remarked on the extra cost placed on the council because the Valuation Department had refused*the council a new roll of ratepayers when a poll was carried in favour of unimproved value rating. Owing to the refusal, an additional burden had b.een placed on the council in sending out a new rate notice. Mr. Russell’s motion that the Valuation Department be asked to pay the cost caused through the fault of a Government official was carried. Mr. G. C. Munns, M.P. for Roskill, who was present at the meeting, assured the council that it was entitled to a return of the amount in the event of the Valuer-General being at-fault.

The Mayor, Mr. L. E. Rhodes, discussing the new rate, expressed satisfaction at the financial position of Mount Albert, especially’when the improvements to the borough’s amenities were considered. There had actually been rumours that the rates would rise to a shilling in the pound. The gen» eral rate had really been reduced by a farthing in the pound, largely because the laying down of roads in permanent materials had lowered maintenance charges. ITEMS ! N ESTIMATES

At least two items in the estimates would not recur, the sum of £1,200 set aside for the final redemption of two loans and the final payment of £1,067 for Gribblehurst Park. There would probably be a further decrease on the general rate next year.

Outside factors ' which had affected the council included the reduction by £56.000 of the rateable value of\ the borough, by the Assessment Court. Previous over-rating had not been the fault of the council. The reduction had meant an increase of .28d in the pound on rates. The hospital levy had been increased and, again, the interest on £120,000, spent two years ago on permanent improvements, would be met for the first time in the current financial year.

Mr. Russell mentioned that the ratepayers were responsible for introducing rating on unimproved values by voting for the system at the poll. “Rating on unimproved values has proved disastrous to the borough,” said Mr. James H. Langley. “The ratepayers will now see the fallacy of the hopes entertained for the system. The position should be explained to them fully.” •

The Mayor said he did not propose to enter into a controversy on rating systems, which were entirely a question for the ratepayers. Should the ratepayers desire to change, the proper course lay before them. The Mayor, replying to a suggestion bv Mr. B. Brigham that a motion should be carried showing how the Assessment Court had defeated the issue of unimproved rating, remarked that such an action might be taken as a reflection on the judges of the Court.

“Fictitious values were built up throughout Auckland,” remarked Mr. A. A. Buckley. “Those are the values the Court is attempting to lower. This year, there are more rents outstanding in the City and Alount Eden, which both rate oil rental values.

Air. Russell moved the motion seeking a repayment of the costs stated to have been placed on th 6 borough through the fault of the Valuer-Gen-eral in not allowing the roll to stand and Air. Buckley seconded.