Council includes, in their general rate, a component called a “fixed charge”. The fixed charge is a set amount levied against all properties irrespective of their value.
For example:
Property value = $200 000
Rate in the dollar = 0.002627 (often expressed as 0.2627 cents in the dollar)
Property valuation component ($200,000 x 0.002627) = $525.40
Fixed charge = $410
Total rates: $525.40 + $410 = $935.40
A fixed charge, presently $410, ensures all rateable properties pay a base amount to the cost of administering Council activities and maintaining the services and infrastructure that supports each property. Differential Rates based on values are then  applied in addition to the fixed charge.