Mount Gambier City Council residents are facing the prospect of a proposed 10.24% rate rise, more than double the increase imposed two years ago.
In 2022-23 the total budgeted rates revenue increased by 4.5%, and last year rose by 6.2%.
Council’s draft 2024/25 Annual Business Plan and Budget for Public Consultation has been listed for discussion at its May monthly meeting being held today.
Financial Services manager Julie Scoggins will table a report which will be accompanied by the 87-page proposed draft 2024/25 Annual Business Plan and Budget.
If endorsed, the community has until June 13 to make submissions, which would be taken into consideration at a special council meeting on June 18.
This meeting will be open to the public to ask questions and make submissions.
Ms Scoggins said the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget was developed in consultation with council staff.
“Staff provided detailed budget requirements for the coming year to deliver services for community and specific projects,” she said.
“This was then reviewed by senior council staff and elected members at seven workshops held between March and May.
“The budget was reviewed in detail to ensure that all opportunities for additional revenue and efficient budget allocation were recognised.”
Ms Scoggins said council staff and Elected Members worked together to develop and review a number of options that would “provide a balance between community expectations, the achievement of financial targets and the capacity required to deliver this year’s budget and the latest Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP)”.
“In previous years rating did not keep up with inflation, and whilst the previously adopted LTFP and last year’s Annual Business Plan included an increase that was smoothed across three years, rating was below actual CPI,” she said.
“Last year aligned with previous years, City of Mount Gambier average ($1223) residential rates were significantly below the rural state average ($1725).
“Council strives to the best of its ability to ensure that rates are applied fairly and the burden is shared equally by those with ability to pay in proportion to their wealth.
“Council has and will continue to consider the impact of rates on all sections of the community and those on fixed incomes and with limited financial resources.”
Also listed for discussion at the meeting will be the draft Long Term Financial Plan and Draft Asset Management Plans 2025-2034 for Public Consultation.
