Treasury

The objectives of the Treasury Department are to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the Council’s financial system and transactions and their appropriate recording to improve the liquidity levels. This is done to enhance the functionality of the organization and to facilitate the completion of a substantial number of capital projects and service delivery.

All the taxes generated by businesses and individuals within the municipality are paid directly to Central Government or its agencies. The Council does not have a share in this wealth through several discussions have been held with the Government in this regard. To cater to the funding of municipalities the Government promulgated the Rating Act of 1995. The rates are property tax imposed on all immovable property plots, farms, lots, houses, factories, shops, etc. within the municipality. In the determination of rates, the Council is partly guided by the Town Planning Scheme which demarcates the property uses into different zones. These zones include residential, commercial, industrial, public use, etc., and each zone is rated differently

Your rates explained Property Rates Local Government Rates are levied annually to all ratable properties based on an approved General Valuation Roll (GVR). The amount you pay in rates each year depends on the basis of valuation applied to the property. This valuation is determined by an independent Valuer. According to Section 13(1) of the Rating Act of 1995, the basis of the valuation of land shall be the market value of such land and any improvements thereon. The GVR is reassessed not less than once in every 5 (five) years, or such longer or shorter periods as the Minister approve. Based on valuation, rates are calculated and an Annual Rate Notice is generated and mailed to you through the last known postal and e-mail address. You will usually receive your Rates invoice in April of each year.

Why pay rates? Council collects rates from rate payers to help fund local infrastructure and services. Rates are a simple and effective way of contributing to the development and improvement of vital community services, such as roads, storm water systems, reserves, parks and the management of waste in the urban area – just to name a few.

How we calculate Your Property Rates How much you pay in property rates is determined by the valuation of your property (determined by an independent Valuer) multiplied by the levied annual rate in Emalangeni. The Council calculates your rates based on the following calculations: Annual levied rate X Property Valuation Value + Waste Collection Charges = Amount due for the year.

Difficulty Paying Your Rates? Section 27 (2) of the Rating Act of 1995, permits payment of rates by instalments and Council is acutely aware of the financial difficulties many are facing in these uncertain times. This does not only ease the burden of paying a lump sum, but also saves you from the 15% interest charges. Ratepayers who are having difficulty paying their rates are encouraged to contact the Office of the Town Treasurer to make arrangements based on individual circumstances.

Services offered under this department:

Rates income
User fees Income
Property Evaluation