Does their word rate?

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 12.12.08

Elderly St John’s residents wait to see if new council can be trusted

Written by SALLY EVANS.

THE big winners from the Rural City of Wangaratta council elections last month may be the elderly residents living at St John’s Terrace.

Most members of the new council have previously indicated their support for the 216 independent living units remaining exempt from individual property rates.

It follows a "preliminary investigation" launched by council into the existing arrangement, introduced in 1968, in a bid to be “fair to all” in assessing the council rates.

Speaking out strongly against the move were councillors Rozi Parisotto and Lauren O’Neill, while Cr Doug McPhie believed council should honor agreements made with existing residents.

"As these units become available to new owners, then perhaps the new owners should pay rates and any new units be treated the same," he said.

Both Crs Anthony Griffiths and mayor Ron Webb said the issue needed further investigation, but Cr Griffiths was reluctant to introduce a new toll on elderly residents.

"In this economic climate where many of our older citizens are struggling, I would be very hesitant to impose any additional financial burden on them," he said.

The rural city’s remaining councillors, Lisa McInerney and Roberto Paino, indicated they were in favor of rating the units in the same way as other homes.

"Rates subsidise not only garbage and roads, but infrastructure and community development and activities," Cr McInerney said.

Cr Paino pointed out that many other Wangaratta pensioners were paying rates.

"Council is legally obliged to rate all properties except those which are exempted under the Local Government Act," he said.

"This ensures a fair and equitable result for all ratepayers."

The findings of the preliminary investigation are expected to be discussed at a future meeting of council.