Clarification on Latest Rates Notices

Rates Notice Example

Published: 27th April 2021

There have been a number of queries on social media recently regarding the recently issued rates notices and water consumption notices.

Council wishes to address the following commonly asked questions:

Q: Why does the rates notice show outstanding water charges when these have been paid?

A: The notices are printed in Melbourne, then returned to Mount Isa for distribution to ratepayers. There is a two- to three-week time delay between the time the notices are prepared and receipt by residents. Any payments made during that delay period will not show on the notice. It has been this way for several years and Mount Isa City Council has received this query every year.

Q: Is this an error?

A: No it’s not, it is an unfortunate reality of having documents processed with barcoding in another part of Australia.

Q: Will I be charged interest?

A: No ratepayer is charged interest. Council staff remove any interest charges relating to late payment, and payments always appear in Council records on the correct date.

Q: Who do I contact if I have concerns about this?

A: The Customer Service team at Council can be contacted on 4747 3200, 9am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Q: How many ratepayers does this affect?

A: All 6500 rate notices are processed in this manner. It will only affect those who make payment in the two- to three-week processing period.