Investigation of a Municipal Charge

A municipal charge is a fixed fee applied equally to all properties to help fund Council’s administrative and operating costs. 

Introducing a municipal charge would not increase the total amount of rates Council collects. It would change how rates are distributed between properties. Some properties may experience an increase in rates while other property owners may experience a decrease. 

Council is deciding whether to continue with the current rating system or introduce a municipal charge as part of the 2026/27 Budget Process. 

The community can express a preference for the rating system, which will inform Council’s final decision. 

The collection of rates and the State Government rate cap are legislative requirements and cannot be changed. 

No. The Municipal Charge is completely separate from the Fire Services Levy (now referred to as the Emergency Services Levy).

The Fire Services Levy (Emergency Services Levy) is a State Government charge, not a Council charge. It is collected by councils on behalf of the Victorian Government and helps fund emergency services such as Fire Rescue Victoria, Country Fire Authority (CFA), and other emergency response agencies.

Although it appears on your rates notice, Council does not set the levy and does not keep any of the money. Council is required by law to collect the levy and pass it directly to the State Government.