Southern Downs rate rise coming in council's budget
.jpg)
Southern Downs mayor Peter Blundell. Erin Smith SOUTHERN Downs Mayor Peter Blundell and Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley say a rate rise in the council's upcoming budget is almost unavoidable.
The top two councillors in the region said a reduction in local government grants and inflating service costs would likely lead to no other choice.
"Given the freeze in financial assistance grants, it is likely there will be a rise," Cr Blundell said.
"It is no secret that we as a council have had some financial issues and it would be foolish to say we could deliver a balanced budget without a rate rise."
According to the council's 2013-14 Annual Report, general rates before discount brought in $26.32 million, while employee benefits cost $27.476 million.
Cr Blundell said he expected there to be backlash, but said there was no way around the rise.
"We're trying to look at every opportunity there is to save money," he said.
"There is an expectation though that certain services such as waste management, road network and libraries and pools being available are delivered, and those cost money.
TOP STORIES ONLINE
"It's a very difficult scenario, do we look at removing services or do we put up rates?"
Neither councillor could say how much rates could rise, saying the figures were still being worked on.
With the need to balance their books, Cr Bartley said one way council could look to save money would be to utilise the Work for the Dole and Green Army programs.
Work for the Dole places job seekers in activities where they can gain skills and experience that give back to the community and can help them find a job, while Green Army participants receive an allowance for their work in local environmental and heritage conservation projects.
"We always welcome community groups and volunteers getting involved," Cr Bartley said.
"If someone can manage it, I think the programs could work very well."
An open meeting will be held at 4.30pm at the Men's Shed grounds tomorrow, regarding proposals for volunteer work in the Rosenthal Heights area.
It is expected that annual rate notices will arrive in the mail about the end of July.
