A Message from the CEO - 2018/19 Council Budget adopted

Published on 28 June 2018

Mildura Rural City Council’s Budget for 2018/19 was adopted at last night’s Council meeting.

The budget details how the organisation will continue to deliver the more than 100 vital services, facilities and infrastructure to more than 50,000 residents across the region. It also details funding for many capital works projects which will significantly improve to the region’s roads, parks, open spaces, drainage infrastructure and waste services.

The budget for 2018/19 is $115.02 million, which will be funded through $24.65 million from State and Federal Government grants, $69.70 million in rates plus income from fees, charges, contributions and other sources.

Council has set the increase for the Rate in the Dollar at 2.25%, which is the cap set by law. The Rate in the Dollar for all classes of land has decreased when compared with the 2017/18, as the table below outlines.

Type or class of land

2017/18

2018/19

Residential Differential Rate

0.00664800

0.00610510

Farm Land Differential Rate

0.00631560

0.00579985

Business Differential Rate

0.00797760

0.00732612

Mildura City Heart Special Rate

0.00262987

0.00251127

The total amount each property owner pays in rates is determined by multiplying the Rate in the Dollar by the Capital Improved Value (CIV) of their property. So the rates bill for each ratepayer will vary, depending on the individual valuation of their property.  If a property’s value has increased this year compared to last year, then it is likely the rate bill for that property will increase also.  This can be despite the Rate in the Dollar being lower.

Council rates notices will be issued in early September and I encourage ratepayers to wait until they receive their individual notices before jumping to conclusions about how much more, or less, they may be charged.

If any ratepayer disagrees with the valuation of their property, they can object to it. There is a formal process for this, but it must be done within two months of the issue date of your rates notice.

We also have a hardship policy and I encourage anyone experiencing financial difficulties or having trouble paying their rates to contact us as soon as possible to discuss their circumstances.

Early in the new financial year, we will commence work on a review of Council’s Rating Strategy, which will guide how rates are calculated and applied over a five year period. Everyone in the community will have the opportunity to be involved in this process and I urge ratepayers, from all areas to make sure their voices are heard in this process.

Gerard José  Chief Executive Officer