Sir
I am glad that local residents are finally waking up to the fact that ratepayers are being completely cheated following the massive rates increases as from July 1.
Normally, it is only one section of the community who complains about such issues. Judging from the issues raised in previous letters to the Courier, it appears as if the discomfort is widespread. I would like to make one correction or point of clarity raised by the writer, Paul Coetser, who wrote about the rates issue last week.
The comment that he hopes that those Councillors who were not present at the workshop would assist in solving the debacle prompts me to point out that it was Councillor Anthon Raubenheimer who first pointed out the anomalies in the new rates ratings.
While I understand he was not at the workshop but did send in his apologies, it was his own work and private lobbying – some sessions I also attended with other business people who were equally concerned – that brought the issue into sharp focus and made officials sit up and take notice. For this, I thank him.
My only hope is that the officials, who are concerned about this town, assist in coming up with a solution. To expect a business to suddenly pay a 116% increase in rates – such as myself – is simply ridiculous. Some officials and Councillors may want to try and justify this by saying ‘yes, but it is the new valuations and the Council must find X millions of Rand to function’.
Well, Sirs and Madams, start operating like any other business in your town. Cut costs. Stop the hand-outs and the appointment of many people who may, or may not, be politically connected. Please start working for this town. Businesses have to cut costs to pay rates and the first thing to be done is to cut down on staff, offer early retirements where possible and hope to goodness our turnover increases by 116%.
Ms MM
