LGAGOVA409A Maintain property rates and records

Release 2

LGAGOVA409A Maintain property rates and records

Modification History

LGAGOVA409A Release 2:	Layout adjusted.

LGAGOVA409A Release 1:	Primary release.

Unit Descriptor

This unit covers the specific requirements of maintaining an accurate and effective property database.

Application of the Unit

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills Information

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency	Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1 Maintain property-related information	1.1 Correct record is identified and accessed. 1.2 Changes to record including eligibility for pensioner concession, are completed accurately and within appropriate time frame. 1.3 Any duplicate records are detected and deleted. 1.4 New records, together with necessary associated links and data, are added within appropriate time frame. 1.5 Historical records are maintained.
2 Maintain valuation data	2.1 Values are reconciled to categories of rates and valuer general valuations. 2.2 Relevant acts are considered in determining valuation used for rate calculation. 2.3 Subdivision plans are analysed to ensure new valuations are correctly allocated to new lots and cancelled valuations are deleted. 2.4 Revaluations are checked and processed and any inconsistencies are queried. 2.5 Consolidations or amalgamations are checked and allocated according to plans and their associated values are reconciled.
3 Compile and maintain financial information	3.1 Transactions are processed and reconciled within the system and to the general/costing ledger. 3.2 End of year reconciliations are completed to demonstrate that all properties are properly assessed and accounted for. 3.3 Notional yield return is completed accurately and is in line with statutory requirements. 3.4 Internal income estimates from rates and charges for the following year are completed according to council requirements.
4 Ensure properties are correctly rated	4.1 Available sources of property information are regularly accessed and inconsistencies or possible changes to rating category or rateable status are noted. 4.2 Suspected inconsistencies or applicable changes are followed up in accordance with council policies and within legislative requirements. 4.3 Properties entitled to rate concessions are checked and those no longer eligible for concessions are noted and updated.
5 Prepare for land and environment court action as required	5.1 Precedents are interpreted to enable appropriate recommendations to be made regarding the possibility of successful court action. 5.2 Information to support court action if required is prepared clearly, accurately and within appropriate time frame.

Required Skills and Knowledge

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit
Required Skills
qualitative and quantitative research locating and interpreting legal precedents accurate record keeping attention to detail report writing written communication
Required Knowledge
detailed knowledge of sections of local government legislation relating to rating and exemptions from rating relevant sections of acts relating to valuation of land council policy and procedures regarding checking appropriateness of rating categories law of torts relating to trespass and harassment clerical procedures basic accounting principles court representation, land and environment court procedures and processes

Evidence Guide

Overview of assessment requirements	A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered	Maintenance of property-related information and valuation data. Completion of required financial records and reports. Demonstrated understanding of relevant requirements of local government legislation and acts relating to valuation of land. Understanding of land and environment court process.
Context of assessment	On the job or in a simulated workplace environment.
Method of assessment	The following assessment methods are suggested: observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding completion of workplace documentation third-party reports from experienced practitioners completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance	Evidence will need to be gathered across a range of variables over a period of time including end of financial year.
Resource implications	Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources: copies of relevant legislation council policies and procedures appropriate computer software and records management systems financial systems accounting materials

Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Changes to record may include:	ownership address for service of notice entitlements of owner (pension rebate or other) property description land area categorisations wards dimensions land use valuations side of street zoning conditions services notices flood details alternate addresses
Historical records may include:	properties cancelled due to subdivisions
Relevant acts may relate to:	valuation of land forestry Indigenous land rights (native title) national parks and wildlife.
Inconsistencies may include:	no longer farm land not used for purpose claimed.
Journals may include:	refunds for overpayments abandonments changes resulting from errors or court judgements rebates pensioner discounts supplementary levies interest postponements discounts and concessions (other than pensioners) legal costs ex gratia rates dishonoured cheques
Reconciliation of rates income may include:	by category rate type property numbers valuations at end of year and beginning of year and as required by internal and external auditors
Sources of information may include:	property owners local newspaper advertisements council business papers personal observation the public land titles office valuer general's department property inspections state, federal and other local government bodies electronic or hard copy white and yellow pages electoral rolls government gazettes publications circulars
Follow up may involve:	property inspection photographs research accessing further information
Rate concessions may include:	postponed rates section allowances heritage allowances mixed development apportionment factors and capital contributions

Unit Sector(s)

Administration Units