VPRS 2132 Rate Books

The rate books in this series contain a complete record of particulars of all the rateable properties within the wards constituting the municipality of Williamstown. The revenue of a municipality is in part derived from the levying of rates on rateable properties within a municipal district. Every rate is required to the entered in a Rate Book that records the levying and payment of rates on rateable properties. General Rates are levied equally on all rateable properties within the municipality and form part of the municipal fund used for expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of the Local Government Act. Details recorded in Rate Book include: - number of the rate - name and trade/occupation of the ratepayer - name and occupation of the owner - description and situation of the property assessed - its annual value - amount due - quarterly instalments paid - arrears carried forward, and - interest paid This series presumably commenced with the establishment of the municipality of Williamstown in 1856. One volume, presumably spanning the period 1856 to 1858 is not extant. Another volume, for the period 1858 to 1864, is not in archival custody but has been filmed on the microfilm copy (VPRS 2132).