Manjimup council to propose 3.9 per cent rate increase

Manjimup shire council is set to debate its proposed rate rise on Thursday night with the council proposing an average rate rise of 3.9 per cent. The rate rise will form part of the 2024-25 financial year budget, with the minimum rates expected to increase to $1150 for both unimproved value and gross rental value properties. The meeting agenda said the Valuer General had assessed Shire of Manjimup unimproved value properties before July 1 and the revaluation saw an overall increase to the database of 19.8 per cent. The shire’s rate in the dollar has been adjusted down to reflect the value changes to give an average 3.9 per cent change. Fees and charges are proposed to have a 3 per cent increase, with two exemptions: the Windy Harbour lease fees which will be 3.4 per cent and waste collection charges which will increase by 1.8 per cent. Meanwhile, a special rate concession for clubs and sporting groups has also been proposed so that only the licensed area of their properties are rated. If approved, total rates revenue will reach nearly $12 million. The agenda item also listed three proposed loans in the budget including $2.5m for the Collier Street/Rea Park redevelopment and two self supporting loans of $250,000 and $400,000 for the Manjimup Tennis Club and work on Dunreath Cottage, respectively. Shire president Donelle Buegge previously told the Manjimup-Bridgetown Times the proposal for the rate increase had been a balancing act.