YARRIAMBIACK Shire Council chief executive Ray Campling has labelled council’s 2015-16 budget the most gruelling in more than a decade.
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Councillors agreed the budget, released at Wednesday’s council meeting, was tight but responsible.
Council proposed a 4.75 per cent rate increase and an increase in the municipal charge from $63.60 to $68.20 on all properties.
Mr Campling said the budget was challenging because of the proposed introduction of rate capping next year.
He said council initially intended to increase rates by 7.5 per cent.
Mr Campling praised councillors and executive management for working together on the draft.
‘‘It is a realistic budget and it best addresses the needs and expectations of the Yarriambiack Shire,’’ he said.
Mayor Andrew McLean said the council municipal charge rate was still one of the lowest in the state.
Council agreed to maintain the differential farming sector rate at 23 per cent.
Kerbside garbage and recycling charges will increase by five per cent.
The proposed budget includes $7,586,000 for capital works, including $4,924,000 for road maintenance.
New initiatives in the budget include Sea Lake Lascelles Road construction and seal, a sport and recreation strategy, and pavement renewal at Banyena Pimpinio Road, Watchem Warracknabeal Road, Pathewollock Tempy Road and Brim West Road.
Building works include a new automated weather station at Warracknabeal Aerodrome, upgrades to Hopetoun Community Centre, Brim public toilets, Minyip and Woomelang senior citizen centres and the Warracknabeal Town Hall.
Council will increase its contribution to swimming pools, recreation reserves and hall committees by two per cent and various progress associations and consultative committees will be provided $1000 each.
Cr Ray Kingston said the budget was reflective of challenges local government faced.
‘‘Times are tough and we have to work through things as a community,’’ he said.
Cr Terry Grange said the budget was a responsible one.
‘‘It is very tight but a responsible document and one we should be proud to own,’’ he said.
Cr Graeme Massey agreed the budget was the best proposal for the shire.
‘‘We are trying to do the best we can with the little we have,’’ he said.
Cr McLean said council was seeking community feedback on the draft budget.
He said copies of the draft were available at the Warracknabeal shire office, Rupanyup shire office, Gateway BEET at Hopetoun or online at www.yarriambiack.vic.gov.au.
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