This process helps to ensure community accountability. After a Council sets its rates for the year it sends out a Rates Notice setting out how the rates can be paid. Included with this notice is a brief summary of the Council's rating policy and information on where the full policy document is available. Property Values Councils determine how much each ratepayer pays in rates by taking into account property values in the area. The property values used by Councils are usually set by the State Valuer-General.
Ratepayers can object to the valuation if they believe it is inaccurate.
The site value of the property which in essence is simply the value of the land. The annual value of the property which takes into account the rental potential of the property. They also seeks to ensure that rates are applied across the community as fairly as possible. To assist in making the impact of rates fairer to the community, Councils have a number of options it can use in determining how rates will be set. Differential General Rates - Councils may charge different rates depending on the type of land use such as residential, commercial or primary production.