KNYSNA NEWS – In a special council meeting held yesterday, Thursday 11 May, Knysna Council elected to extend the deadline for objections and comment on property rates contained in the latest draft budget by a week.
The new deadline for submissions is Friday 19 May. The extension follows a question from the DA’s Sharon Sabbagh about the issue during the special council meeting on Thursday.
Sabbagh said she had written to the municipal manager, budget office, directors and councillors requesting the extension earlier this week, “without reply”. She reverted to asking the question in the council meeting.
“I took the opportunity in council] to raise a question in which I motivated my request for the extension until 19 May – and the extension was granted,” Sabbagh said on Thursday 11 May in a post on her Facebook page ”Sharon Sabbagh, DA councillor Ward 9”.
“I continue to fight for residents’ rights, now I respectfully ask that you all take the time to submit your objections.”
She had earlier indicated that Wards 1, 2, 5, 9 and 10 in Knysna contribute most to rates and taxes, as well as services, but these wards get the least spend.
Sabbagh has held a series of public meetings on the rates issue. She requested that those residents looking for more information WhatsApp her on 083 775 2709 with the letters PBC, name and residential address.
Sabbagh compared the property rates payable on a R4,5m property in Knysna (R36 353) with Cape Town (R25 500); Stellenbosch (R21 675); Mossel Bay (R15 903); George (R24 960); and Bitou (R24 983).
Related article: Knysna ratepayers could be in for a shock
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