PEOPLE living within the Rakiraki Town boundary will start paying town rates from next year.
Rakiraki Town Council special administrator Seini Raiko said they needed the funds raised by business license fees, commercial vehicle stands and market fees.
No fees have been charged since the declaration of Rakiraki as a town two years ago.
Ms Raiko said due to the non-payment, the council has not been able to offer a wider scope of services and capital works.
She said the town rates would be levied from January 1, 2013.
With a population of 4952 (2007 Census), the council overlooks more than 730 rateable properties within the town boundaries.
"There are 731 properties in the town boundary and it is anticipated that the initial percentage for the residents will be at a minimum for the first six years," she said.
Ms Raiko said investments in the town had also increased over the past months.
Yesterday, the town celebrated another achievement for its municipal market.
It opened its new Rakiraki Market Women Vendors Overnight accommodation, launched the Rakiraki Vendors Market Learning Centre and celebrated International Day for Poverty Eradication.