Michael’s Column –  Stratford Press
3rd September 2009


Rates Invoices

The first rates notice and annual assessment for the financial year has being posted a little later than usual this year, so the final date for payment has been extended to 4th September 2009.

Two things to be aware of with the information on the invoice and the assessment notice:

In some cases the land area is incorrect, especially where a rating unit has more than one land title involved. However, this information does not have any bearing on the rates, so your invoice is correct. We are asking our computer software supplier to correct the formulae that calculates the land area.

In some cases, your legal situation address will be shown differently from the street address you use. Over time common usage of an address has developed that is different from the legal address of that land. The important address is the postal address as that is the one that ensures you receive the information. We certainly do not wish anyone to go to the effort of changing their commonly used postal address to the legal address as that will just create confusion and a lot of unnecessary effort.


Rates Rebate

If you think you may be eligible for a government rates rebate then applications are now open. Please contact the Service Centre who will be able to help you.


Elections

Nominations are open for the role of District Mayor. These close at midday on 23rd September. What happens from there is dependent upon the number of nominations received.

If one valid nomination is received, that person is elected. If more than one nomination is received, a vote will be conducted by postal vote, with voting papers delivered mid to late October, and the result known on November 12th.

The cost of the election is also dependent upon the number of candidates. If no vote is required, the cost is small. If voting papers need to be printed and postal costs paid, the cost is higher.

If you are new to the District, please make sure you are on the electoral role. The update of the roll also closes on 23 September. The roll can be inspected at the Council building and the Library.


Radio Update

You can catch the Stratford District Council update every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:05am on the 1557AM Coast Breakfast Programme.

Remember you can contact us if you have any issues or feedback – we want to hear from you. You can phone us on 06 7656099 or email me at ceo@stratford.govt.nz

Michael