Politics
Templestowe Council Approves Infrastructure Levy Starting January 2027
Templestowe residents will see the first levy charges on property tax notices mailed in December 2026 after the city council passed the measure on July 7.
How we reported this
The Templestowe City Council voted 7-2 on July 7 to enact the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy at a rate of 0.8 percent of assessed property values. The levy funds road resurfacing and drainage upgrades across 12 designated precincts. Payments begin with the 2027 tax cycle.
The vote occurred during the regular council session held at Templestowe City Hall. Council records show the measure passed after three hours of public comment. It replaces a flat $180 annual fee that had been collected since 2019.
Timeline for Implementation
Residents in the Riverside and Hilltop precincts will receive updated tax statements by December 15, 2026. Work crews are scheduled to begin drainage pipe replacements along River Road in February 2027. The government projects full completion of the first phase by June 2028.
Local property owners can expect an average annual increase of $240 on a home assessed at $300,000. Billing cycles align with existing quarterly statements issued by the city finance department. Officials stated the new structure spreads costs across a five-year collection window.
Effects on Daily Services
Street maintenance crews will prioritize pothole repairs in the affected precincts starting March 2027. Residents who use Templestowe Transit routes along Main Street may encounter temporary lane closures during pipe installation. The legislation states that emergency services will maintain access at all times.
City documents list 47 specific road segments targeted for resurfacing. Property tax appeals must be filed by November 30, 2026, through the assessment office located at 45 Civic Plaza. The next council review of levy rates is set for July 2028.