Rate rises – Do you want to have a say?
SHOALHAVEN ratepayers are being warned to brace for significant rate increases because of a large budgetary shortfall. Rate increases of up to 14.6 % – or 11% above the State Government’s rate-pegging limit – are now being forecast by council. Any increase above the limit would require State Government approval and
evidence of widespread community support. Do you support this? Let the Association know your views – we cannot act unless the community asks us to.
Financial modelling contained in council’s long-term financial plan has found that council will be unable to fund desired capital works
programs or increase spending on the maintenance and renewal of existing infrastructure assets without an increase in revenue.
A one-off rate rise of 11% above rate-pegging limits is required to increase road construction, maintain existing assets and complete planned projects.
At this stage the proposed rate hike has not been tabled by council, however without a significant increase in rate revenue council would be forced to undertake a mix of other options to restore long-term financial stability. Those options include a significant reduction in services; a significant restructure and downsizing of the organisation; reduced capital works program; increased borrowings; an
increase in other revenue streams or a sale of surplus council property. What options would you like to see canvassed?
If expenditure is kept at similar to current levels, the financial models estimate that there may well be a budget deficit of more than $8.2 million by 2017-2018. The decision really needs to come down to community choice and if the community wants to avoid rate increases then it needs to identify which services it wishes to reduce or eliminate.
evidence of widespread community support. Do you support this? Let the Association know your views – we cannot act unless the community asks us to.
Financial modelling contained in council’s long-term financial plan has found that council will be unable to fund desired capital works
programs or increase spending on the maintenance and renewal of existing infrastructure assets without an increase in revenue.
A one-off rate rise of 11% above rate-pegging limits is required to increase road construction, maintain existing assets and complete planned projects.
At this stage the proposed rate hike has not been tabled by council, however without a significant increase in rate revenue council would be forced to undertake a mix of other options to restore long-term financial stability. Those options include a significant reduction in services; a significant restructure and downsizing of the organisation; reduced capital works program; increased borrowings; an
increase in other revenue streams or a sale of surplus council property. What options would you like to see canvassed?
If expenditure is kept at similar to current levels, the financial models estimate that there may well be a budget deficit of more than $8.2 million by 2017-2018. The decision really needs to come down to community choice and if the community wants to avoid rate increases then it needs to identify which services it wishes to reduce or eliminate.
