June 26th, 2024Rates up, operation costs cut, as council adopts new budget
Ratepayers in Hepburn Shire will have to contend with a 2.275 per cent rate rise after the council adopted its new 2024-2025 budget yesterday.
At a special meeting, councillors have chosen to increase rates at 2.75 per cent which is the maximum rate set by the state government.
They have also endorsed a reduction in operational costs by $1.5 million, a move expected to produce challenges in avoiding impacts on service delivery.
In a media statement issued following yesterday’s special meeting the council said: “Victorian councils, and in particular Hepburn Shire, have been adversely impacted financially by a sub-CPI rate cap environment, increased costs due to inflation, natural disasters including storms and floods, increasing community and government expectations and limited alternate income streams”.
Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, says that this will be the fourth and final year budget under the council’s current Council Plan, noting that it funds important services such as roads, parks, waste and recycling and more.
“Like many other Victorian councils, Hepburn Shire Council must make difficult financial decisions to ensure its long-term economic viability,” Cr Hood said.
“The budget has a strong focus on the completion of current works, projects and infrastructure, services and programs.
“Councillors have chosen to increase rates at 2.75 per cent as per the maximum rate set by the State Government, which is below the current CPI rate of 3.6 per cent for the period to March 2024.
“Our shire revenue is expected to be $40.7 million, while our operating expenses are projected to be $42.8 million. The budget also includes the capital works program of $8.4 million encompassing roads, infrastructure, improvements to assets and completion or progression of community facilities.”
“While there is little room for any new projects, community consultation on the budget attracted some important community feedback that was considered by officers and councillors, and will be used to inform future financial planning. We received just over 20 submissions.
“We will continue to listen to the community’s needs and strive to deliver high quality services that align with our community’s priorities and expectations.”
The budget endorsed a reduction in operational costs by $1.5 million, while striving to minimise the consequent impact on service delivery.
Financial pressures are mounting across government, business and communities. The Victorian local government sector faces challenges that will most likely lead to potential changes to the council’s service offering and capacity to invest in infrastructure.
The council is committed to the delivery of a revised long-term financial plan and will engage with the community through July on a Financial Vision, with adoption to be considered in September.
The council needs to find an additional $4 million in revenue and savings in coming years to develop a financially responsible long-term financial plan that delivers on the Community Vision.
“We want to hear from the community as we plan for future financial sustainability, delivering the services they need and managing our assets responsibly,” Cr Hood said.
