Special Council Meeting: May 18th 2020

This meeting has been called to discuss a number of options that may assist small businesses dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 as a result of Australian and State restrictions. Council will discuss waiving or discounting the 4th quarter rates before they fall due.
We will discuss eligibility criteria and the effect on the operating surplus for the current year. Council has already offered at least $1.1 million  in support by:

• Deferring rate payments until August 31st for all ratepayers
• Postponing debt collection of outstanding rates
• Encouraging ratepayers to seek a payment plan beyond August 31st
• Waiving lease fees for Council lessees where their business has been closed or restricted by law
• Offering a 50% discount to Council lessees when experiencing financial hardship (30%)
• Not increasing the rates for 2020/2021
• Reducing the  separate marketing levee  for Main Street associations

At this point in time 13 businesses have applied for rate relief. The report asks Council to consider between a full rate rebate for the 4th quarter, 80%, 60%, 40%, 20% or nor rate relief beyond a postponement to pay.