2.75% rates increase in draft budget

A 2.75 per cent rate increase will be recommended when draft budget papers are presented to Baw Baw Shire councillors tomorrow.

The rate rise, in line with the state government’s rate cap, will be a key discussion point at an online council meeting.

A win for ratepayers is waste charges being set to reduce by an average of 4.9 per cent. It follows two consecutive years of increases.

Total revenue from rates and charges will be $76.2 million, including $62.9 million from rates, $12.1 million from waste charges and $950,000 in new property additions.

This represents an additional $2.3 million on last year’s budget.

The proposed budget features a $43.3 million capital works program, of which $24.3 million is for new works and $19 million is carried over from last year.

Drouin Recreation Reserve is listed amongst the significant projects, with $3.6 million allocated to a $4.1 million project.

Other works include $5 million towards the $30 million Baw Baw Culture and Connection Place Precinct, $2.1 million towards the $4 million Rokeby Noojee Trail, $1 million for the $2 million Rollo Street masterplan in Yarragon, $1.9 million for Warragul streetscape works, $1.5 million for a $4.6 million Copelands Rd upgrade in Warragul, and $1.7 million for gravel roads sealing.

Employee costs are forecast to cost council an extra $3.5 million compared to forecasts.

Council proposes to continue with its differential rating strategy, offering farmers a 20 per cent discount on the general rate.

Eligible pensioners will continue to receive a $50 rebate.

Vacant land will be subject to a new rating system. The surcharge for vacant residential land is proposed to remain at 80 per cent but vacant commercial land will be subject to a 140 per cent surcharge.

An officer report said the draft budget focused on achieving financial sustainability whilst delivering objectives of the council plan.

It projects a surplus of $23.2 million compared to the forecast surplus of $24.3 million.

The report noted residential growth was a key issue facing Baw Baw Shire.

“Council’s major challenges are to meet the needs of the growing population of the shire, continuing to renew critical infrastructure, and improve council’s overall financial position, within the constraints of a rate cap,” it said.

Mayor Annemarie McCabe said council was continuing to balance delivering and providing the community with services and infrastructure they depend on, whilst navigating a somewhat unpredictable and high-cost economic environment.

The draft budget papers will be delivered to council during an online meeting at 1pm tomorrow. Community members can login in to the livestream via council’s website.

Community feedback will open on Thursday and close on Wednesday, May 8.