GEORGE NEWS – The George Ratepayers and Residents Association (GRRA) has called for fair and consistent property valuations, greater transparency and tighter control over municipal expenditure ahead of the implementation of George Municipality's new valuation roll in July 2027.
The association raised concerns in a statement this week about steep increases in property rates in recent years, with some ratepayers reporting increases of up to 80% in their annual rates bills between 2022/23 and 2026/27. This represents an average annual increase of approximately 15.8%.
The GRRA warned against further excessive increases resulting from inconsistent property valuation practices.
According to the association, all residential properties should be valued equitably using standardised market data. It expressed concern about discrepancies between the valuations of older properties and recently sold properties in the same neighbourhood.
The GRRA said inconsistencies in the 2022/23 valuation process had caused frustration among its members, particularly where similar properties were assigned substantially different values.
It believes that expanding the municipality's overall property valuation base through fair market revaluations should make it possible to reduce the rate-in-the-rand tariff significantly and increase exemptions.
Municipal spending under scrutiny
The association also questioned the municipality's reliance on property rates to address operational budget shortfalls.
According to municipal figures cited by the GRRA, property rates consistently account for between 14% and 15% of George Municipality's total income. This proportion is comparable to, or lower than, that of similar municipalities.
Rather than relying on higher property rates to balance its budget, the association wants the municipality to exercise stricter expenditure control and improve revenue collection.
It called for measures to eliminate wastage in income-generating services, including water, electricity and waste management, as well as stricter debt recovery and greater alignment between service charges and the actual cost of supplying those services.
The GRRA maintains that reducing unnecessary expenditure, preventing revenue losses and narrowing operational budget gaps are essential to keeping property rates affordable.
Valuation standards and objections
The association acknowledged that the municipality appoints professional property valuers who use open-market sales information to determine property values.
However, it questioned whether these methods had been applied consistently during the 2022/23 valuation process.
The GRRA emphasised that property valuations must be based on strict, uniform standards that are transparent and open to public scrutiny.
It encouraged property owners who believe their properties have been incorrectly valued to make use of the municipality's formal objection process.
While fair valuations are important, the association stressed that the main concern remains the rate-in-the-rand tariff applied to those valuations.
It argued that the only sustainable way to keep property rates at reasonable levels is through tighter control of municipal expenditure, the prevention of revenue wastage and improved operational management.
The GRRA believes these measures, combined with a fair and consistent valuation system, would help protect ratepayers against excessive future increases.
Submit objections before 8 January deadlines
Property owners have until 8 January 2027 to check their new municipal property valuations and lodge objections if they believe their properties have been incorrectly valued.
George Municipality issued a notice this week encouraging owners to inspect the 2026 General Valuation Roll, which covers approximately 57 000 residential, agricultural and commercial properties.
The valuations reflect estimated market values as at 1 July 2026 and will form the basis for calculating municipal property rates from 1 July 2027.
The municipality said that an increase in a property's valuation does not necessarily mean rates will increase by the same percentage.
The final rate-in-the-rand tariffs for the 2027/2028 financial year will only be determined during next year's municipal budget process.
How to object
Property owners who disagree with their valuations must submit formal objections by 8 January 2027.
Objections must relate to individual properties and clearly explain why the valuation is disputed. Supporting evidence, including comparable property sales or independent valuations, may be submitted.
Objections can be emailed to [email protected].
The valuation roll is available through the municipality's website, www.george.gov.za. Assistance is also available at municipal offices.
The new valuation roll will remain in effect for three years, subject to supplementary valuations.
For enquiries, contact the municipality's Valuations Section on 044 801 9111.
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