KNYSNA NEWS - On June 23, the council resolution taken by the Knysna council on June 7 relating to the levying of property rates, was promulgated in the government gazette by the Knysna Municipality.

Rates are applicable from July 1, 2017 and in terms of the resolution the following formulas will be applied, based on the total rateable valuation of the property:

• Residential property and accommodation establishments with eight or less lettable rooms – 0.007738c/R.

• Agricultural property, public service infrastructure property, public benefit organisation property and state owned property – R0.001935c/R.

• Business and commercial property and accommodation establishments where the number of lettable rooms exceeds eight, and all vacant land zoned business – R0.015477c/R.

• All vacant land zoned domestic and residential – R0.013929c/R.

The resolution then proceeds to describe the rebates and relief measures in place for Knysna ratepayers.

• A reduction of R100 000 off the property value in respect of all domestic properties.

• A rebate of 10% will be granted in respect of all residential properties that are occupied or improved.

• Application can be made to the municipality by the owner for a rates rebate of 100% in respect of residentially zoned properties used for residential purposes, if the combined income of the household does not exceed R4 300/month or R51 600/year.

Medically unfit owners or pensioners may apply for additional rebates as follows:

• 80% rebate where annual income is less than R78 000.

• 60% rebate where annual income is R78 001 to R90 000.

• 40% rebate where annual income is R90 001 to R108 000.

• 20% rebate where annual income is R108 001 to R144 000.

• 5% rebate where annual income is R144 000 to R180 000.

All applicants must complete the official forms obtainable from the municipality and furnish proof of income.

Finally, all properties with a cultural or historical interest may receive a rebate of 20% on the total rateable valuation of the specific property.

In the light of the fact that Knysna municipality levies far higher rates on undeveloped properties than developed properties it is uncertain whether the municipality will impose the same formula on those properties where buildings have been destroyed.

All queries to the municipality as to how they intend dealing with the fire-damaged properties have remained unanswered by the time of going to print. As soon as Knysna-Plett Herald has information on how to deal with the rates accounts that ratepayers have received, which will certainly not have taken the damage into consideration, this will be reported upon.

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