I’m not one to get excited about budgets at the best of times, especially my own, however, we’ve just released the draft 2018-2019 council budget for community comment and consultation.

I know it can be daunting to try and understand a complex multi-million dollar budget document, but if you cut to the chase, it’s reasonably easy to read. 

For example, we plan to spend $15.5 million on capital works, $8.32 million on renewal works, $1.89 million on asset upgrades and $4.83 on new assets. 

This includes $2.49 million for core infrastructure assets for the future development of the Wimmera Intermodal Freight terminal, $0.98 million for new plant and equipment, $0.34 million on footpaths and cycle-ways and $0.77 million for buildings.

There are a couple of exciting budget items such as $1.32 million for the refurbishment of the outdoor War Memorial Swimming Pool which includes new pipework and a wet deck concourse and $0.07 million for restumping works to the Horsham Town Hall floor.

We’ve reserved another one per cent of rates for the infrastructure gap, bringing the fund up to $2.40 million. A total $1.8 million of this will be spent on council’s roads and we’ll also spend an extra $0.40 million on roads from general revenue, an increase of 11.7 per cent from last year. 

The budget document involves months of hard work by council officers before it comes to councillors for discussion. 

As with our household budgets, there are competing needs and wants which must be prioritised. 

We can’t always get what we want or even sometimes what we need.

Now we release this important council document for your comment and we ask you to look over it and let us know what you think.

We have set aside time for you to have your say to us in person on Wednesday, May 23 (today) from 12 to 2pm and 5 to 7pm. 

Alternatively, you can make a personal submission to us at a meeting on Wednesday, June 6 at 5.30pm at the Civic Centre. 

You may also provide your feedback in writing. Write to Sunil Bhalla, chief executive officer, Horsham Rural City Council, PO Box 511, Horsham, Vic 3402 or via email to council@hrcc.vic.gov.au. 

We look forward to hearing your views and ideas.