Tipperary County Councillor has questioned how commercial rates are going to be set at an equal level when North and South Tipperary County Councils merge.
While welcoming the amalgamation and its cost-saving features, Cllr Michael Murphy has called for further clarity on how rates will be set when the councils combine. He pointed out that commercial rates had been set at different levels by the various town councils over the years.
But when the town councils are abolished in 2014 and a new rate is introduced for the entire county, businesses in some areas may see their rates reduced, while others will witness a rise.
The Fine Gael Councillor has also suggested that of the savings made as a result of the merger, some of the money could be put towards reducing the rates across the county to one basic rate, which would allow all areas to adjust to a common rate without putting undue pressure on businesses in particular areas.
