Council meeting agenda - 4 June 2012 - Clarence City Council

CLARENCE CITY COUNCIL – GOVERNANCE- 4 JUNE 2012 111
This reflects increased costs for disposal at the Copping site and limits the
increase in community service obligation otherwise payable in respect of this
activity. It is consistent with the polluter pays principle that individual users
should pay additional costs rather than being borne by ratepayers generally.
Significantly, the minimum gate fee has been maintained at its current level
under the proposal; this has the effect of lowering the weight at which the
minimum fee no longer applies and at which the per tonnage rate takes over.
2.22. A proposed new fee discussed during the budget process is a percentage
charge for credit card transactions. The cost of providing credit card facilities
is in the order of $70,000 for 2011/2012, however, card payments relate to
only some 25% of transactions. Consequently, there is an equity issue in that
all ratepayers currently pay for a facility used by only a minority of ratepayers
and the specific users and their costs can be identified. Legislation now
permits user charges for credit card transactions and it is therefore proposed
that a 1% fee be applied, meeting the marginal and system costs of providing
the service. A range of alternative payment methods are available should
ratepayers not wish to pay the fee. If approved, the charge will not apply until
later in the financial year, since a range of system modifications are required
for its implementation. Specific advice of any new charge will be included on
rate notices, in Council newsletters and on Council’s web site.
3. CONSULTATION
3.1. Community Consultation
No issues to be addressed.
3.2. State/Local Government Protocol
No issues to be addressed.
3.3. Other
No issues to be addressed.
4. STRATEGIC PLAN/POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The Local Government Act requires the adoption of Estimates each year.