Comments on: Maryborough Rates. http://suebrooks.com.au/2008/maryborough-rates/ The Blog of Councillor Sue Brooks, Hervey Bay - Fraser Coast Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:11:46 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: sue http://suebrooks.com.au/2008/maryborough-rates/comment-page-1/#comment-89 sue Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:30:56 +0000 http://suebrooks.com.au/?p=51#comment-89 Thanks sadman but I prefer to call it trying our very best to be fair and not place people under undue hardship. I don't think it is unreasonable for a Council to react to public concerns and alter decisions accordingly. Maryborough ratepayers on fixed incomes are known to budget ahead and were expecting to pay their rates as per usual which was half their annual rates. Last year HBCC also had a rethink on green waste charges and changed them. I think that an ability to respond to community needs is the sign of a mature and responsible Council. In this instance I think the outcome is the very best that we can do under the challenging circumstances of bringing four Councils rates processes into one. In my opinion no matter what Council decided, implementing new rates and fees and charges in this new amalgamated climate and under such a tight timeframe, was always going to be a case of not pleasing everyone all of the time. Thanks sadman but I prefer to call it trying our very best to be fair and not place people under undue hardship. I don’t think it is unreasonable for a Council to react to public concerns and alter decisions accordingly. Maryborough ratepayers on fixed incomes are known to budget ahead and were expecting to pay their rates as per usual which was half their annual rates. Last year HBCC also had a rethink on green waste charges and changed them.
I think that an ability to respond to community needs is the sign of a mature and responsible Council. In this instance I think the outcome is the very best that we can do under the challenging circumstances of bringing four Councils rates processes into one.
In my opinion no matter what Council decided, implementing new rates and fees and charges in this new amalgamated climate and under such a tight timeframe, was always going to be a case of not pleasing everyone all of the time.

]]> By: Sadman http://suebrooks.com.au/2008/maryborough-rates/comment-page-1/#comment-88 Sadman Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:25:38 +0000 http://suebrooks.com.au/?p=51#comment-88 Sue, The ratepayers who have "already made a rates payment this calendar year", have only just paid for last year!! All property owners know they have to pay rates, you budget for it. The council (HBCC) and now the (FCRC), both brought in policies (tip fees and rates) and within weeks changed their minds. Not a good look from experienced councillors with "safe hands". Sue, I suggest you remind your mates of the old proverb " measure twice and cut once", when people keep backtracking it shows a lack of confidence. Sadman Sue,

The ratepayers who have “already made a rates payment this calendar year”, have only just paid for last year!! All property owners know they have to pay rates, you budget for it. The council (HBCC) and now the (FCRC), both brought in policies (tip fees and rates) and within weeks changed their minds. Not a good look from experienced councillors with “safe hands”.

Sue, I suggest you remind your mates of the old proverb
” measure twice and cut once”, when people keep backtracking it shows a lack of confidence.

Sadman

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