COVID-19 impacts budget

A major challenge in this year’s budget process has been supporting community members and businesses through the current COVID-19 pandemic, while also maintaining council’s overall financial position and delivering much needed infrastructure.

The budget projects a $1.68 million deficit which officers said was due to the impact of COVID-19.

Mayor Danny Goss said the budget was prepared at the same time as planning a response to support the community during unprecedented times of dealing with the impact of COVID-19.

“This budget aims to strike the balance between maintaining essential services, providing our community and businesses with some financial relief and preparing to contribute to economic stimulus when the imminent threat of the coronavirus has passed,” he said.

Council’s community and business support package in response to COVID-19 includes support to sporting clubs by waiving fees, reduced rents from tenants of council properties and waiving some fees and charges.

Additionally, there will be reduced income from the West Gippsland Arts Centre due to events not being held.

Officers said the budget aimed to strike a balance between maintaining essential services by providing financial relief to community and businesses and preparing to contribute to economic stimulus when the pandemic has passed.

Council’s annual expenses are expected to increase by 3.3 per cent and revenue will fall slightly.

“The major challenges have been to support the community and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, meet the needs of the growing population of the shire, continuing to review its critical infrastructure renewal requirements and maintain council’s overall financial position, within the constraints of the rate cap,” the report said.