Greater Shepparton City Council has foreshadowed the increase in its draft budget, which was considered by councillors at their meeting on Tuesday, April 18.
The increase is the full amount allowed under the state government’s rate cap and ratepayers now have a month to let council know what they think.
Councillors moved to stem perceptions the rise might be too high, pointing to rate freezes in recent years.
“The first year we came into office we said there was a zero rate rise,’’ Cr Geoff Dobson said.
“Second year we came in and we said there’s a zero rate rise.
“Third year we’ve come in and we’ve looked at the expenses and we’re saying there’s going to be a 3.5 per cent recommended rate rise.
“Now that means that over three years we’ve had an average 1.75 (per cent) rate rise or three-and-a-half per cent rate rise over three years.’’
Cr Anthony Brophy encouraged members of the public to provide council with feedback on the proposed budget and the rate rise included in it.
“This really is being put out for public consultation and we really do require the public feedback before this can be adopted,” he said.
He also pointed out that inflation and costs from the floods meant an increase was necessary.
Only Cr Fern Summer spoke against the proposed rate increase, suggesting council had not done enough to protect struggling ratepayers from another impost.
“I personally don’t think I’ve seen enough heavy lifting from our organisation to buffer those zero rate rises,” she said.
“Instead of tightening our belts, we now have a hefty operating deficit of almost $20 million (projected full-year underlying operating deficit of $19.10m), so to me, it seems like council is on a path and incapable of sustainably reducing by restructuring and using less.”
The 2023-24 draft budget also delivers an accounting surplus of $22.92 million and an adjusted underlying deficit of $4.16 million.
Capital works worth $51.10 million is planned, funded by grants of $8.83 million, new borrowings of $2 million and council cash of $40.24 million.
Following the public submission period and consideration of community feedback, the 2023-24 budget will be considered for adoption at council’s June meeting.
The deadline for written submissions from the public is no later than 5pm on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
An additional council meeting may also be held to hear any person wishing to support their written submission at a future date.
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