Rates glossary

• fixed charges are made to cover the costs of services which can be identified by property (water supply, wastewater disposal, recycling)
• each property with a similar service pays the same fixed amount
• significant non-residential water users are metered

• a uniform annual general charge is applied to all rateable properties within Palmerston North
• it ensures each property contributes a minimum amount of the general rate and moderates rates on high value properties
• the uniform general charge for 2017-18 is $630

Each property is charged a general rate – based on land value – with different rates (differentials) applying to each property category.

The categories in the Council's differential rating scheme reflect differing property uses:

• single unit residential
• multi-unit residential
• commercial and industrial
• rural and semi-serviced
• miscellaneous

Differential surcharges (a higher rate in the dollar) are applied to multi-unit residential and commercial/industrial properties. Single unit residential and rural/semi-serviced properties are charged lower rates.

• one house on one section

• a single dwelling with flat attached
• Two or more houses, flats or apartments on one certificate of title

• property used for business

• out of city limits
• not having access to full council services like wastewater, water, and rubbish collection

• miscellaneous describes a range of property uses, including home-based businesses, commercial/industrial in the rural area, and some categories of vacant land