REFILWE MEKOA
By the end of August the municipal valuer will finalise his written responses to all rate payers who have lodged objections against the property valuations. Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality spokesperson Qondile Khedama says once all objections have been lodged the municipal valuer will decide on evidence and submission of the objections. If the objector is not the owner, the municipal valuer must also notify the owner of the property concerned. After the objector has received written response from the municipal valuer, the objector may apply for reasons of the valuer’s decision. A fee of R347,30 is applicable regarding the application. The valuer must then provide reasons in writing for the decision. Khedama says a person can appeal to the Valuation Appeal Board within 30 days if he is not satisfied with the decision of the municipal valuer. “Municipal services must be paid on or before the 7th day of every month. To calculate rates for residential property, the market value less the rebate amount of R70, 000 should be multiplied by the tariff, divided by 12 months. For commercial and business properties the market value should be multiplied by the tariff and divided by 12 months,” says Khedama. ”If a change in the valuation of a property affects the amount for rates payable on the property, the municipal manager will calculate the amount paid on the property since the effective date and the amount payable in terms of the adjustment since the effective date and recover or repay the difference. Where an addition has been made to a valuation roll as intended, the municipal manager will recover from the person liable for the payment of the rate the amount due plus interest,” says Khedama.
