Corporate and community services director Ashley Roberts told the May 16 meeting that the 2018-19 financial year was a revaluation year.

Mr Roberts said the council needed to increase rates in excess of the rate cap of 2.25 per cent from the 2017-18 year it it were to continue to deliver a wide range of services, while also remaining financially viable. 

The council applied to Essential Services Commission Victoria and was given an exemption from the rate cap to increase rates up to 3.5 per cent for 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 years. 

The budget includes $10.19 million for capital works with $7.25 million spent on roads. 

The West Wimmera Shire council employee costs for the 2018-19 year was budgeted at $7.11 million.

Community buildings were allocated $1.71 million. 

Ongoing maintenance of shire roads and bridges was allocated $2.73 million while provision of aged care and disability services was allocated $0.65 million. 

Parks and gardens maintenance was allocated $0.45 million and support for library services was allocated $0.17 million. 

Provision of youth and family services was allocated $0.73 million. 

The draft budget is available for the shire community to review and make submissions on the West Wimmera Shire website. 

A written submission must be received at the council offices by 5pm on June 15.