The George Municipality is requesting all places of worship to ascertain that they meet the requirements of the amended Municipal Property Rates Act.
Input into the amended act must be submitted by 23 May.
The act states that a municipality may not levy a rate on a property registered in the name of and used primarily as a place of public worship by a religious community, including the official residence registered in the name of that community which is occupied by the office bearer of that community that officiates at services held at that place of worship.
The municipality invites places of worship to avail themselves of the prescriptions of the amended act to determine which part of their property qualifies to be exempted from the paying of rates, and which parts are not exempted.
The new general valuation roll was compiled and advertised for public inspection and objection and it will be implemented on 1 July.
For more information, contact C Langeveldt or A Scheepers on044 801 9111 / cplangeveldt@george.gov.za / anscheepers@george.gov.za
Written correspondence should be addressed to: The Municipal Manager, PO Box 19, George, 6530, or faxed to 044 801 9175.