WYNDHAM ratepayers are likely to face a rates increase of 5.5 per cent following the approval on Monday of the council’s draft 2012-13 budget.
The rise will boost its coffers by $106.2 million.
The increase is the same as last year but individual rate rises will be dependent on property valuations carried out in the past year.
The council says some ratepayers may receive a decrease in their rate payments.
The proposed rate rise is also lower than increases proposed by other western suburbs councils.
Cr John Menegazzo said the modest increase demonstrated the council’s commitment to minimising the impact on ratepayers while ensuring the council’s long-term financial sustainability.
‘‘We are aware that many councils in the local area and the west would be looking at an overall increase of 6per cent and above, and I guess it would have been an easy option for this council to take a similar view and blame external factors such as the introduction of the carbon tax, the effects of a new EBA … the reduced government grants and so on.
‘‘However, council remained aware of the commitment we made to ratepayers in previous years in our council reports, that future rate increases would be no more than 5.5per cent.’’
The decision has meant it’s been forced to cut back its capital works program, although it still remains one of the largest capital works budgets in Victoria. The council will spend $83million on capital works projects next financial year, down from $106million this year. It has also flagged increases in garbage charges, with the cost of the service up by $30 to $254. It says a compulsory Environment Protection Authority levy and the carbon tax are to blame for the price rise. Municipal charges will rise from $37.30 to $39.25, while the cost of most other council services will increase by 3per cent.
The budget provides for a $126million operating surplus, down $5million from this year, while loan borrowings will increase by $32.6million.
Cr Menegazzo said the council remained in a strong financial position and was confident residents would see the budget as a fair, balanced and financially responsible response to the challenges of the current economic climate.
Residents can find out more at a public meeting on May 24 at the civic centre from 7pm. Submissions are open until 5pm, June 11.
Details: wyndham.vic.gov.au.
