NRS-16322 | Water rate books [Cowra Shire Council]

An Act to Establish Municipalities 1867 (31 Victoria act no 12) provided for the levying of special rates 'for the purpose of constructing and maintaining water works and ensuring the supply of pure water.' The rates could be imposed upon the owners and occupants of the houses in the streets where the water mains were laid down. The rates could not exceed 5/- per annum, for each room in a rateable dwelling. (1) It is not clear when Cowra council commenced imposing water rates.Each water rate book covers a calendar year. The details for the rateable properties are spread over a double page. For each rateable property the following details are recorded. – assessment number; section; allotment; owner; occupier; description of property; unimproved capital value; improved capital value; assessed annual value; current rate; current rate special; total rate for year; arrears brought forward; total amount owing; amounts paid during the half year ended 30 June and 31 December; rates abandoned; current arrears and date of authorising abandonment; arrears carried forward; assessment number on next rate and remarks. The volumes contain some loose papers related to administration of the water rates. These include rough workings of total rate and valuations , rate notices, and notification of arreas. ENDNOTES:(1) An Act to Establish Municipalities 1867 (31 Victoria act no 12) s. 166