Chudleigh property owners who refuse to pay council rates because they believe their land is “owned by god” have received a formal notification from the Meander Valley Council.
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General manager Martin Gill said a notice had been posted in front of each of the three properties with outstanding rates, including the Melita Honey Farm.
“The notice lets the property owner know the total rates outstanding and that if payment is not received council is intending to sell the property,” he said.
“The notice was advertised in the Examiner on March 22 and the process provides 90 days, from the date of the notice for the property owner to pay the outstanding rates.
“If they are not paid Council will start preparations to auction the properties.”
Mr Gill said the council was yet to hear from the Beerepoot family since the notices were sent.
The three inhabited properties at Chudleigh and Mole Creek have accrued a total of $9332 in unpaid rates.
In a letter to the council in February the Beerepoots showed no signs of agreeing to pay.
“Council's world view is that the 'law of the land' governs life and thus also provides progress, growth and security,” the letter said.
“On the other hand, we believe that our Heavenly Father is Sovereign and that He reigns today, thus we worship Him and Him alone so that His will is established on the earth … you are asking us to bow down to a false god which is something we cannot do.”