HORSHAM Rural City Council will vote on a draft 2016-17 budget at a meeting on Monday night.
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The draft budget includes a 3.5 per cent rate rise and a $20-million capital works program, including $7.59 million in roads spending.
One per cent of the rate rise is subject to Essential Services Commission approval.
Victorian councils will be limited to rate rises of 2.5 per cent when the state government’s rate capping policy takes effect from July.
However councils had the option to apply to the Essential Services Commission for higher rate caps.
Horsham council requested a one per cent increase on the cap, and is waiting on the commission’s decision.
Council’s proposed capital works program includes $7.8 million in grants, $2.35 million from council’s reserves, and $5.51 million from rates and general revenue.
About half of the capital works money will be spent on existing assets.
The $20.2 million includes $2.48 million for a children’s hub in Horsham’s north.
The draft budget will be open for community feedback until June 6.
Council plans to adopt the final budget on June 20.
