Shire chief executive Jonathan Throssell said under the Local Government Act, the Shire could take possession of a property where the rates have been outstanding for three or more years.
“As at January 31, 2017, $7.4 million in rates was outstanding,” he said.
“The outstanding amount as at 30 June 2016 was $880,486 and $792,900 at the end of the 2015 financial year.”
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READ NOWMr Throssell said it was not common action for a Shire to take over and inthe past 10 years no houses had been repossessed or gone to auction stage.
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He said the Shire explored many avenues prior to getting to this stage.
“Firstly the Shire will issue a final rates notice,” he said,
“If the outstanding amount remains unpaid after a final rates notice has been issued, a follow-up letter is sent out.
“This letter advises that unless rates are paid in full, or a suitable payment arrangement is entered in to, the matter will be referred to the courts.
“Thereafter general procedure claims are be lodged with the Magistrates Court.”