Departments
Proper accounting for the services and goods in the
Council’s financial management system.
Finance (Treasury) Department
The Finance Department is responsible for the financial management and sustainability of the Municipality. Its operations are guided by the Urban Government Act of 1969, Rating Act No. 4 of 1995, Urban Government Financial Regulations of 1969, Public Finance Management Act of 2017, Public Procurement Act of 2011, Public Procurement Regulations of 2020, as well as the Council’s internal Financial and Accounting Policies and Procedures.
The department ensures that the Municipality’s financial resources are properly collected, managed, safeguarded and utilized in accordance with applicable legislation and sound financial management principles.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
1. Revenue Management (Rates Collection)
- Ensuring that all rateable properties within the municipality are correctly billed at the beginning of each financial year.
- Issuing rates bills to property owners and ensuring that accounts are delivered to ratepayers timeously.
- Monitoring the collection of rates and ensuring payments are made as they fall due.
- Enforcing compliance with the Rating Act No. 4 of 1995, including the implementation of measures against defaulting ratepayers.
- Properly accounting for goods and services in the Council’s financial management system.
- Managing and safeguarding of all Council’s fixed assets.
2. Collection of User Fees
- Ensuring that all municipal service charges and user fees are accurately billed.
- Monitoring and enforcing the timely payment of these fees to support the Municipality’s revenue base.
3. Budget Management and Control
- Preparing and monitoring the implementation of the Council’s annual budget estimates.
- Ensuring that expenditure is aligned with approved budget allocations and financial regulations.
4. Procurement and Supply Chain Management
- Coordinating the procurement of goods, works and services in compliance with the Public Procurement Act of 2011 and Public Procurement Regulations of 2020.
- Ensuring that procurement processes are transparent, competitive and provide value for money.
5. Payments and Financial Accounting
- Processing timely payments for goods and services supplied to the Municipality.
- Maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring all transactions are properly recorded in the Council’s financial management system.
6. Asset Management
- Managing, recording and safeguarding all municipal fixed assets.
- Ensuring proper control, maintenance and periodic verification of Council assets.
Rates Payment Options
To make payment more convenient for ratepayers, rates may be settled monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually.
Advantages of this arrangement include
- Avoidance of the statutory interest of 15% per annum charged on overdue accounts.
- Predictable and fixed payment amounts throughout the financial year.
- The ability to spread payments over a twelve-month period, making them more affordable for ratepayers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What are municipal rates?
• Rates are local taxes charged on property owners within Nhlangano Town Council’s urban area in accordance with Sections 4 & 5 Rating Act No. 4 of 1995.
• They fund essential services such as road maintenance, waste collection, street lighting, and community projects.
• They fund essential services such as road maintenance, waste collection, street lighting, and community projects.
2How are rates calculated?
• Rates are based on the value of your property as assessed by the council.
• The council applies a rate tariff or percentage to the property valuation to determine the annual rates charge.
• The council applies a rate tariff or percentage to the property valuation to determine the annual rates charge.
3When are rates due?
• Bills are issued annually; usually first week of April each year .
• Payment deadline is 30th June each year.
• These deadlines are communicated in the notices sent to property owners in accordance with Section 27 Rating Act No.4 of 1995.
• Payment deadline is 30th June each year.
• These deadlines are communicated in the notices sent to property owners in accordance with Section 27 Rating Act No.4 of 1995.
4How do I receive my rates bill?
• Bills are sent via postal mail or email using the last known addresses on record.
• If you haven’t received your bill, you should contact the Town Treasurer’s office to update your contact details.
• If you haven’t received your bill, you should contact the Town Treasurer’s office to update your contact details.
5Where can I pay my rates?
• Payments can be made at the Nhlangano Town Council offices (Corner King George Street & Ndwandwe Avenue).
• The council also accepts payments through designated banks or electronic transfer, depending on the arrangements in place.
• The council also accepts payments through designated banks or electronic transfer, depending on the arrangements in place.
6What happens if I don’t pay my rates?
• Non-payment may result in penalties, interest charges, or legal action for recovery of the rates owed.
• The council can also restrict access to certain services until arrears are settled.
• The council can also restrict access to certain services until arrears are settled.
7Can I query or appeal my rates bill?
• Yes. Property owners can lodge a formal query or appeal with the Town Treasurer if they believe their property valuation or bill is incorrect.
• Section 16 Rating Act 1995, allows for inspection and objection of draft valuation roll
• Section 16 Rating Act 1995, allows for inspection and objection of draft valuation roll