RATEPAYERS keen to discover exactly how much the proposed special variation rate increase would cost them are being encouraged to visit the Bega Valley Shire Council website.
A new online calculator is available that will determine the additional cost to individual ratepayers of the two per cent SV, if and when it is approved.
Entering your current land value into the calculator will give you an indication of the rates you are likely to pay with, and without, the SV.
According to BVSC finance manager Lucas Scarpin, the average residential land value in the shire is $175,000.
Such a value would result in an increase of $21.49 per year if the SV rate increase is sought and approved.
That amounts to 41 cents per week, but rates do not include water and sewerage charges payable by those who have access to such services and these must also be taken into account when determining your total bill.
The calculator is available at www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au under the “Find out About” drop down menu’s “Rates and Charges” link.
A direct link is also available here.