25 August 2017 – Media Release
Cumberland Council has written to former Holroyd City Council ratepayers in Mays Hill to let them know they’re entitled to a $210 refund after waste services were contracted out.
Cumberland Council awarded a tender to URM in June 2017 for the collection of kerbside waste, dumped rubbish and pre-booked pick up.
The new waste service, which started in August 2017, will deliver more than $18.8 million in savings over the next eight and a half years.
Administrator Viv May explained the savings and security provided by the contract means that the former Council’s waste reserve can now be returned to ratepayers.
“A $7 million rainy day fund for waste service contingencies was maintained by the former Council,” Mr May said.
“These large reserves are no longer needed as the new contract reduces uncertainty – the risks go with the contract not the public purse.
“Ratepayers in the former Holroyd City Council area who now belong to Cumberland Council have already been refunded $210; this was credited to their rates assessment in July 2017.
“Although Mays Hill does not fall within Cumberland Council’s boarders, ratepayers did contribute to the reserve held by Holroyd City Council and therefore I believe it is only fair they too should share in the efficiencies achieved.
“Eligible residents will soon receive a letter from Cumberland Council which will ask them to nominate how they would like to receive their refund before 30 September 2017.
“Cumberland Council is committed to providing the best possible value for residents and ratepayers. The new waste services contract is an important step in this direction.”
Residents who have enquiries regarding the refund are encouraged to contact Cumberland Council’s rates department on 02 9840 9700.
