Proposed 2021/2022 Budget released for feedback

Published on 03 May 2021

Benalla Rural City Council’s Proposed 2021/2022 Budget is open for community feedback until Thursday 27 May.

 The budget includes an $11.18 million capital works program highlighted by a $3 million upgrade to the Benalla Art Gallery and $1.814 million to the Benalla Visitor Information Centre redevelopment.

 Road works total $1.619 million and $1.044 million will be invested into drainage works.

 The capital works program is funded by $6.089 million of Australian and Victorian government grants and $5.091 million in Council cash.

 The proposed Budget includes a 1.50 per cent rate increase in line with the State Government’s Fair Go Rates system. Forecast operating revenue is $37.301 million with operating expenses of $34.566 million resulting in an operating surplus of $2.735 million.

 Waste management charges increase by 5 per cent and are budgeted to raise $3.730 million.

 No new borrowings are proposed for 2021/2022. Debt decreases by more than $1 million to $3.804 million by 30 June 2022.

 Chief Executive Officer Dom Testoni said the proposed budget was financially responsible allowing services to be maintained and, with the assistance of other levels of government, providing sufficient funds to invest in capital works.

 “We will continue to find efficiencies and look for cost savings to ensure the long term financial sustainability of the organisation,” Mr Testoni said.

 “Until further initiatives and income generation are brought to account, our primary goal is to consolidate but also to positon ourselves to take full advantage of opportunities that may present that can fund future services and projects to cater for an expanding community.”

Submissions on the proposed budget will be taken until Thursday 27 May 2021. The final budget will be presented for adoption on Wednesday 23 June. 

For more information on providing feedback, visit benalla.vic.gov.au