Chance to appeal hike
Residents left confused about process
THERE is some good news for Joburg residents who lodged an appeal against the increases in property rates with the new general valuation roll released last year.
Customers who are dissatisfied with their notification of outcome of objection may now lodge an appeal on or before Monday, July 1 by 12 noon. The previous deadline was March 15. The reason given by the city is that there have been some delays in the postal system.
However, Metrowatch has received numerous complaints from residents saying the appeal process is tedious and difficult and that many are being forced to lodge an objection if their properties have increased or decreased by 10%, even if they are happy with the new valuations.
City spokesperson, Selma Lloyd, said a distinction should be made between objections and appeals.
The city committed to and finalised all 50 595 objections by the end of February.
“We can hereby confirm that all 50595 objections received have been processed and finalised. The city’s valuations appeal process is managed independently through a board appointed by the MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs. This appeal board is made up of independent legal representatives and professional valuers registered at the South African Council for Professional Valuers,” she said.
While the city has finalised all objections related to the 2018 General Valuation roll, it is awaiting confirmation of the appeal board members.
However, the bad news is that it can take between one to two years to get a date for the appeal date and ratepayers will have to continue paying their current rates bill until the decision from the appeals board is given and the account us adjusted and backdated to July 18.
Property owners who are not happy with the new valuation after having objected, or if the outcome has triggered a section 52 review, then they must appeal. If a property is valued at more or less than 10%, a section 52 notice is automatically triggered, even if the resident is happy with the new valuation. Residents will have to file an appeal again this.
Harry Sewlall, of Parkmore said: “It’s exactly a year since you quoted me in a report in The Star regarding the unjustifiable hike in our property values. In my case, a three-bedroom house hiked by 75%, effectively rendering me ineligible for any kind of rebate even though I am 70 years old.
“After my first objection in writing, I had to file another. So when is the appeals board going to call us in? It costs over R300 to take a taxi into Braamfontein. No one bothers to pick up the phone when I dial 011 407 6622.
“There was no need for Mayor Herman Mashaba’s office to embark on this time-wasting, top-heavy tactic. His office should have admitted the valuation was a thumbsuck and adjusted our rates accordingly,” he said.
Charles Beiles said he had recently received a notification that his property had been revalued.
“The revalued amount was the amount I paid for the property in September 2017. However, this is more than 10% lower than the general valuation roll in 2018. I am happy with the new valuation, so what would be the reasons for my appeal?” he asked.