THE City of Armadale has signed off on a rate rise of 1.8 per cent for the next financial year, despite almost 200 residents signing a petition calling for a rate freeze.
Hilbert resident Peter Shanavas coordinated the 191-signature petition asking the City of Armadale to freeze its proposed rate rise, saying local residents were frustrated and struggling to pay for their rates.
“We have been paying high rates compared to near councils and any rates increase has a direct impact on low earning families,” he said.
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READ NOW“There was a massive response from residents, I personally got more than 100 calls from frustrated ratepayers and I got 191 signatures on board.
“The petition was presented at Monday’s ordinary meeting, was forward to the strategy committee without any discussion and strategy committee decided to reject the petition without any discussion.
“I was present in both meetings and totally disappointed with the decision taken by councillors.”
The 1.8 per cent sits Armadale in the bottom quarter for rate increase across the metropolitan area, which range from the City of Rockingham’s 3.6 per cent to the City of Perth’ 0.8 per cent.
City of Armadale mayor Henry Zelones said the 1.8 per cent increase meant the average household would pay an extra $28 for the year.
“It is a fair and responsible increase having considered the forecast increase in the cost of goods and services by the City and the addition services and amenities required by the City’s growing population,” he said.
“There will be no increase in the domestic rubbish charge and specified area rates in the residential areas will decrease.”
Mr Zelones said the petition had been received and “duly considered” at the June 25 council meeting.
“(Freezing) is an option and was considered by council prior to the petition being received,” he said.
“However given general costs are forecast to increase by 1.8 per cent and the demand for addition services and amenities in response to the City’s growing population, freezing rates is neither responsible nor sustainable.”
City of Armadale’s recent rate rises
17/18: 2 per cent
16/17: 3 per cent
15/16: 5.2 per cent