INTRODUCTION
The 2023 bill distribution exercise is gradually coming to an end. Majority of rate payers have been served with bills due them and payment had also been made to the Assembly.
In attendance at the engagement with the Revenue Collectors were the MFO, Accounts Staff, the MIS unit staff and the Revenue Collectors. The Zonal Council’s Secretaries and treasurers were also present.
The main purpose of the engagement was to educate the Revenue Collectors on the use of the Electronic Management System (ERMS) for payments to clear off outstanding debt of rate payers.
Also, the Secretaries and Treasurers to the Zonal Councils were engaged to know about their work schedules and what is expected of them.
TARGETS TO ALL REVENUE COLLECTORS
The MFO reiterated the target each and every revenue collector is to meet. He emphasized that motivations will come at the right time if they push harder in achieving their stated targets.
COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS FROM THE REVENUE COLLECTORS ON THE BILLS DISTRIBUTED
The Revenue Collectors unanimously complained about the complete failure of the ERMS which could not enable them pay monies receipted on time. This failure was due to the complete off of the ERMS.
Also, locating some of the businesses was hectic since there were no traceable means to locate such businesses. Out of the totals bills given to each of them, the remaining bills left with each of them ranges from 10-30 bills. These were the bills with complaints which needed to be rectified.
CEDED REVENUE TO ALL ZONAL COUNCILS
Portions of revenue items in the Municipality were ceded to the various zonal councils to collect fees, fines and BOPs. All the four Zonal Councils were ceded fees, fines and BOPs. Market toll collection had also been added to Penyi Zonal Council’s. All other revenue collectors were asked not to collect from businesses ceded to the Zonal Councils.
Below is the table of the BOP ceded revenue for the Zonal Councils.
| CEDED REVENUE ITEMS TO UTA’S | ||
| TAXES ON PROPERTY | ||
| ITEM | REMARKS | PERCENTAGE |
| Urban Town and Area (UTA) Councils (Basic Rate) | CEDED | 50 |
| Herbalist | CEDED | 50 |
| Hawkers | CEDED | 50 |
| Corn / Flour/ Rice / Cassava / Sugarcane Millers | CEDED | 50 |
| Funeral Undertakers | CEDED | 50 |
| Akpeteshie Distillers | CEDED | 50 |
| Letter Writers | CEDED | 50 |
| Artisans/ Self-Employed | CEDED | 50 |
| Table top GSM | CEDED | 50 |
| Hiring of Canopies/ Chairs / Benches | CEDED | 50 |
| Akpeteshie/ Spirit sellers/ drinking bars | CEDED | 50 |
| Entertainment centres | CEDED | 50 |
| Hand Carts | CEDED | 50 |
| Hairdressers/ Dressmakers/ Barbers/ Designers | CEDED | 50 |
| Bakeries/ Bakers of Bread, Biscuits | CEDED | 50 |
| Photographers and Video Operators | CEDED | 50 |
| Block Manufacturers | CEDED | 50 |
| PROPERTY RATES | CEDED | 20 |
| STRAY ANIMALS | CEDED | 20 |
| ISSUE OF WAYBILL TO EXPORTERS OF FOOD OTHER ITEMS | CEDED | 20 |
NEW REGISTRATION OF BUSINESSES
The revenue collectors were tasked to identify and register businesses that are not on the Assembly’s database for easy generation of new bills.
A target of 5 new registration of businesses per month was set for all revenue collectors and the Zonal Councils.
CONCLUSION
The engagement with the Revenue Collectors was very fruitful and successful.
The Accounts staff have to make sure that all revenue receipted are captured in the ERMS by the Revenue Collectors for proper system update.
Moreso the Assembly should try and distribute bills before the end of first quarter each year. This will enable rate payers prepare and pay on time to expand the revenue base.
In addition, the Assembly should see to it that all Zonal Councils bring monies from their ceded revenues and this will also enable the Zonal Councils receive their entitled parity from the Assembly.
Furthermore, it will be of great help to the Assembly if more awareness is created on the need and purpose to pay business operating permit.
In conclusion, the Assembly should continue prosecuting recalcitrant rate payers.