Dear Editor,
Please refer to a letter which appeared in your Stabroek News issue of November 5, 2008, headlined, ‘Why is the interest charged by the M&CC on rates and taxes owed so high?’ Actually, the interest is calculated at 21.75% of the demand or 1% above the interest of the bank against our account on a daily basis. This is in keeping with the Municipal District and Councils Act, Chapter 28:01. The entire operation of the council is governed by this act. Interest is not punitive but a compensatory mechanism to help cushion the negative efforts of the tardiness of some ratepayers.
However, the Treasurer’s Department has put in place a payment plan to assist those who are experiencing difficulties in honouring their civic obligation to the city. We have been encouraging property-owners to come in and talk with our trained and professional staff at the treasury. They are always willing and ready to help.
On the question of pensioners, the public should know that there is a prescribed process by which such persons could be granted exemption from paying property rates. This is managed by the Ministry of Local Government.
Again, on this very question of exemption, we have observed that religious and other social organizations have been making this request. According to Section 212 of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01:
“(1) A council shall have power to exempt from liability to pay rates either wholly or in part, in respect of the properties listed in this section, the owners of –
(a) any property used for the advancement of religion, education or social welfare, not with a view to profit;
(b) any property used mainly for the purpose of open air games or of open air athletic sports and occupied by a club, society or other organisation which is not established or conducted with a view to profit;
(c) property used exclusively for the purposes of a hospital, dispensary or public health institution, where the council is satisfied that liability to pay the whole of a rates would seriously prejudice the successful attainment of the objects or purposes for which the organisation, club or society exists.
“(2) The Minister may by order designate any other property in respect of which no rates shall be payable.”
The council has to be satisfied of the circumstances involved and the need for such, applications.
As a result, the council will convene a special forum with the leaders and representatives of such organizations and groups to discuss this issue; this forum has been scheduled for Friday, November 21,2008, at City Hall.
It is common knowledge that the Mayor and City Council has always tried to work with home-owners who are willing to help its programme to restore Georgetown.
But property-owners must understand that unless we receive their payments, we cannot provide services and facilities to ensure their convenience, health and safety. Therefore, we should like to take this opportunity to appeal to ratepayers to pay up their taxes to the city.
Yours faithfully,
Royston King
Public Relations Officer
Mayor and City Council
