Workshops and planning continue for 2023-24 budget

At last fortnight’s general council meeting, a funding contribution of $1,993,317 was endorsed to Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) to partially fund their 2023-24 budget. This contribution forms part of council’s 2023-24 budget, which will be adopted on 28 June 2023.

On the same day, council held another budget development workshop with councillors to discuss the next financial year’s rates and charges and the forthcoming capital works program.

Discussions focused on an appropriate ‘cap’ to limit general rate increases for those rural properties that were subject to large property valuation increases as part of the last Department of Resources region-wide valuation program.

‘Although no firm decision has been made, it is likely that general rate increases for residential, commercial and rural properties will be around 3%,’ said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sharon Houlihan.

‘The current budget had forecast a cap of 30% for the next financial year, however, based on councillors’ deliberations this will be significantly reduced and is expected to be no more than 10%,’ she continued.

Increases for next year’s waste and sewerage charges are expected to come in under the current reported CPI inflation of 7%.

‘Due to the ongoing cost pressures of water supply service, water access and consumption charges will increase next year in line with council’s long term financial plan, which will be higher than the current CPI inflation rate,’ Mayor Kerry Hayes said.

‘Council continually works to ensure that the provision of secure water service delivery is maintained across the region.’

‘In managing the region’s critical water services, council also has an obligation to comply with local government legislation in relation to the National Competition Policy – this guides our annual price increases by ensuring we raise sufficient revenue to limit the reliance on general rates,’ he continued.

Councillors also had a first look at the draft capital works program for next year and will spend the next couple of weeks reviewing the proposed individual projects in the region-wide program.

At least two more workshops will be held prior to the adoption of the 2023-24 budget on 28 June. You can stay informed on updates by subscribing to council’s weekly e-newsletter here.

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