Please see below an example of an information pamphlet I did for the local government department of the city I live.
General Information Leaflet for public
The City of Cape Town is the first South African city to implement the Municipal Property Act (Act no 6 of 2004). This act allows municipalities to do the following:
1) regulate rates costs
2) implement a transparent and fair system of exemptions, reductions and rebates through their rating policies.
3) Make provision for an objections and appeals process
The Act thus allows for the public to lodge objections to municipal property valuations. The period of objection has been extended to the 30 April 2007.
Valuation notices, issued by the City of Cape Town, are in line with the Municipal Property Rates Act, 2004. These valuations will be used to determine the municipal rated for the 2007/2008 financial year which starts on the 1st July 2007. One of the key aspects of the Municipal Property Rates Act is that sectional title units will be valued separately. Sectional title owners will thus be required to pay rates as per the values for individual units.
As part of its legal obligation, the City of Cape Town must follow the procedure for objections as prescribed in the Act. Owners who disagree with assessed municipal values may be lodge objections on prescribed objection forms available on the internet or at designated objection venues.
Objection Process
Once all objections have been received the process will take place as follows:
Step 1
1) A municipal valuer will process all objections promptly. Where applicable he/she will adjust or add to the General Valuation Roll in terms of decisions taken
Step 2
All decisions made by the municipal valuer must be reviewed in the following way:
1) Where properties are valued at 10% more, or less, the valuer must give written reasons for the adjustment to the city manager.
2) The city manager must submit the valuers decision, the reasons for the decision and all supporting documents to the relevant valuation appeal board
3) The appeal board is legally obligated to review all decisions which come before them. An appeal board has the power to confirm, amend or revoke the decision made by the valuer.
4) It is the responsibility of the chairperson and municipal valuer to adjust the General Valuations Roll in line with decisions taken by the appeal board.
Step 3
1) All property owners who have lodged an objection must be informed in writing of the valuers decision regarding the objection. They must also be informed of any adjustments made to the General Valuation Roll.
2) Property owners may respond to outcomes of objections within 30 days.
3) Reasons for decisions must be communicated by the municipal valuer to objectors within 30 days.
Step 4
1) An appeal board decision can be challenged by lodging a second appeal with the city manager within 30 days
FAQs
Why are properties valued?
Properties are valued because property rates are based on the value of the property.
All properties are valued at the same date of valuation to ensure a fair and equitable basis on which to levy rates.
What is a valuation roll?
A valuation roll is a legal document that serves as an official record of the values of all ratable properties within the boundaries of a municipality. It is produced at least once every four years and is prepared according to specific legislation.
What is a General Valuation?
A General Valuation is the valuation of all prescribed properties within the municipal area. General Valuations are carried out at least every four years, to ensure that the valuation roll remains relevant to changes in the property market.
What is the date of valuation?
The Date of Valuation is the date at which all property values in the City are determined. The current date of valuation for the City of Cape Town, is 1 January 2000. The next General Valuation will have a date of valuation 1 July 2006.
What valuation method is used?
The basis of valuation is the "market value" of the property. Market value is the most probable price that a property would realise on the date of valuation, if sold on the open market by a willing seller to a willing buyer.
Will an increase in value on the next roll result in me paying higher rates?
In the past few years, the City of Cape Town has increased rates in line with or below the inflation rate, and this is not expected to change. The rate (or cent-in-the-rand) will be adjusted to compensate for the general increase in values.
