LGAGOVA409A
Maintain property rates and records

This unit covers the specific requirements of maintaining an accurate and effective property database.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Maintain property-related information

1.1 Correct record is identified and accessed.

1.2 Changes to record including eligibility for pensioner concession, are completed accurately and within appropriate time frame.

1.3 Any duplicate records are detected and deleted.

1.4 New records, together with necessary associated links and data, are added within appropriate time frame.

1.5 Historical records are maintained.

2 Maintain valuation data

2.1 Values are reconciled to categories of rates and valuer general valuations.

2.2 Relevant acts are considered in determining valuation used for rate calculation.

2.3 Subdivision plans are analysed to ensure new valuations are correctly allocated to new lots and cancelled valuations are deleted.

2.4 Revaluations are checked and processed and any inconsistencies are queried.

2.5 Consolidations or amalgamations are checked and allocated according to plans and their associated values are reconciled.

3 Compile and maintain financial information

3.1 Transactions are processed and reconciled within the system and to the general/costing ledger.

3.2 End of year reconciliations are completed to demonstrate that all properties are properly assessed and accounted for.

3.3 Notional yield return is completed accurately and is in line with statutory requirements.

3.4 Internal income estimates from rates and charges for the following year are completed according to council requirements.

4 Ensure properties are correctly rated

4.1 Available sources of property information are regularly accessed and inconsistencies or possible changes to rating category or rateable status are noted.

4.2 Suspected inconsistencies or applicable changes are followed up in accordance with council policies and within legislative requirements.

4.3 Properties entitled to rate concessions are checked and those no longer eligible for concessions are noted and updated.

5 Prepare for land and environment court action as required

5.1 Precedents are interpreted to enable appropriate recommendations to be made regarding the possibility of successful court action.

5.2 Information to support court action if required is prepared clearly, accurately and within appropriate time frame.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit

Required Skills

qualitative and quantitative research

locating and interpreting legal precedents

accurate record keeping

attention to detail

report writing

written communication

Required Knowledge

detailed knowledge of sections of local government legislation relating to rating and exemptions from rating

relevant sections of acts relating to valuation of land

council policy and procedures regarding checking appropriateness of rating categories

law of torts relating to trespass and harassment

clerical procedures

basic accounting principles

court representation, land and environment court procedures and processes

Evidence Required

Overview of assessment requirements

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Maintenance of property-related information and valuation data.

Completion of required financial records and reports.

Demonstrated understanding of relevant requirements of local government legislation and acts relating to valuation of land.

Understanding of land and environment court process.

Context of assessment

On the job or in a simulated workplace environment.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

Evidence will need to be gathered across a range of variables over a period of time including end of financial year.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:

copies of relevant legislation

council policies and procedures

appropriate computer software and records management systems

financial systems

accounting materials


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Changes to record may include:

ownership

address for service of notice

entitlements of owner (pension rebate or other)

property description

land area

categorisations

wards

dimensions

land use

valuations

side of street

zoning

conditions

services

notices

flood details

alternate addresses

Historical records may include:

properties cancelled due to subdivisions

Relevant acts may relate to:

valuation of land

forestry

Indigenous land rights (native title)

national parks and wildlife.

Inconsistencies may include:

no longer farm land

not used for purpose claimed.

Journals may include:

refunds for overpayments

abandonments

changes resulting from errors or court judgements

rebates

pensioner discounts

supplementary levies

interest

postponements

discounts and concessions (other than pensioners)

legal costs

ex gratia rates

dishonoured cheques

Reconciliation of rates income may include:

by category

rate type

property numbers

valuations at end of year and beginning of year and as required by internal and external auditors

Sources of information may include:

property owners

local newspaper advertisements

council business papers

personal observation

the public

land titles office

valuer general's department

property inspections

state, federal and other local government bodies

electronic or hard copy white and yellow pages

electoral rolls

government gazettes

publications

circulars

Follow up may involve:

property inspection

photographs

research

accessing further information

Rate concessions may include:

postponed rates

section allowances

heritage allowances

mixed development apportionment factors and capital contributions


Sectors

Administration Units


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.