WHITTLESEA ratepayers can expect a rate rise of almost 5 per cent under council’s proposed budget.
The council would spend $156 million on services and $28 million on capital works under its proposed 2013-2014 budget.
Rates would rise 4.75 per cent, a quarter of a per cent lower than last year’s rate increase, but householders would also be hit with a $100 compulsory state government fire insurance levy.
The council’s total budget would be $184 million and general rates would raise $112.12 million.
The council does not intend to borrow any money in the next financial year but will service an existing debt of more than $33.4 million and reduce it to $31.75 million by June next year.
Mayor Rex Griffin said the proposed rate rise was “moderate” and council planned to spend $156 million on “everyday services” to meet the needs of the growing municipality.
“The City of Whittlesea’s rate rise is considerably lower than most neighbouring councils where rises have reached double figures,” Cr Griffin said.
“Delivering new facilities to our residents and maintaining the assets of our established areas remain an ongoing challenge and a major consideration in our budget deliberations.” He said the municipality continued to have unprecedented growth, with more than 8500 new residents in the past financial year.
The council planned to spend money on libraries, recreation and community facilities, maternal and child health services, youth services, aged and disability services, road maintenance, events and waste collection, he said.
Cr Griffin said the council could not meet the needs of the growing community without financial support from the state and federal governments.
“Core building blocks for communities such as pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, sporting facilities, children’s facilities, open space, leisure infrastructure, public transport, functional arterial roads and health services require investment from state and federal government.’’ Public submissions on the proposed budget can be made before 5pm Thursday, June 13, and a committee will consider them on June 20.
