Sophie Conlon
If the 2024-2025 budget and annual business plan, which is currently before local consultation, is approved, rates could rise by 4.8 per cent and waste collection services will be expanded across district grant councils. there is a possibility.
The proposed rate hike is 0.8% more than expected in Parliament's Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP), but is in line with the City of Adelaide's December quarter Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The proposed budget projects an operating surplus of $176,000, $89,000 lower than expected under LTFP.
Operating revenue is expected to be $19.75 million and operating expenses are expected to be $19.574 million.
Fifty-five percent of the proceeds, or $10,829,000, would be funded from general interest rates, and the proposed increases exclude new property additions, meaning the amount individual ratepayers would actually pay would be less than the capital value of the property. It may change depending on fluctuations.
The city council also proposes expanding waste collection services in the document.
Previously, 85 properties in the region, primarily in Cape Douglas, did not have city-operated waste disposal services.
To expand service to these properties, the City Council would impose a $300 service fee on top of the fee to support the expansion.
This service is considered important and its provision will be in line with the City Council's Strategic Management Plan 2020-2030.
The 2024-2025 Budget and Annual Business Plan outlines seven major capital works projects, and the allocation includes:
-$3,584,241 for transportation and infrastructure, including road maintenance and construction and proposed BMX track resurfacing.
– $342,500 for community building projects.
-$162,192 for Community Wastewater Management System (CWMS)
-$830,000 for Mount Gambier Regional Airport
– $1,958,000 for fleet management
– $137,000 for the administration building project.
-$148,500 for the Information and Communication Technology program.
Other investments outlined include $89,000 for the Limestone Coastal Connectivity Project, $40,000 to complete a regional heritage study and initiate a regional heritage law reform, and $80,000 for coastal adaptation projects eligible for additional funding; Includes $50,000 towards corporate brand strategy.
The plan outlines five key goals, developing vibrant and connected coastal and rural areas, supporting thriving regional economies, maintaining and enhancing the natural and built environment, and providing quality services and Designed to lead councils in delivering infrastructure, leading and engaging local communities. .
The plan was four months in the making and the council's audit and risk committee deemed it met the requirements of the Local Government Act and Regulations.
Copies of the 2024-2025 Budget and Annual Business Plan are available in Congressional offices and written submissions are encouraged.
The council will consider all written submissions received and presentations made at the council’s scheduled meeting on 20 May.
Consultations began on April 19th and are scheduled to end on May 9th.
