Council & Business
8 May, 2023
Pyrenees residents asked to have their say on budget
The Pyrenees Shire Council is calling on residents to have their say on its almost $25 million draft budget, which includes a 3.5 percent rate rise. The draft $24.8 million budget includes $7.8 million dedicated to capital works and a rate rise of...
The Pyrenees Shire Council is calling on residents to have their say on its almost $25 million draft budget, which includes a 3.5 percent rate rise.
The draft $24.8 million budget includes $7.8 million dedicated to capital works and a rate rise of 3.5 percent, based on predicted inflation of 3.6 percent over the 2023-24 financial year.
The rate rise is in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates system, with individual rates for residential, commercial, industrial and farming properties to vary depending on changes in property values.
Rate differentials for farming properties will decrease slightly from 70 percent of the residential rate to 67 percent, given those changes in property valuations.
Pyrenees Shire mayor Ron Eason said despite increasing costs, the budget still had a focus on capital works.
“While recent inflation has seen the cost of works and services increase significantly, council’s sound financial position means this year we can still have a lot of capital works and projects to deliver throughout the shire, including roadworks, footpath connections, and much-needed improvements and developments at Beaufort Caravan Park,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to delivering on some great things for the shire and community in the next financial year with this budget.”
Income from rates, charges and fees covers 55 percent of the funding council needs to provide the current level of service. The remaining funding comes from state and federal government grants.
The draft budget sets aside almost $3.3 million for road reconstruction, gravel resheets, reseals and bridge, floodway and culvert works.
Cr Eason encouraged residents to look at the draft budget and provide feedback before it’s adopted.
“We know that understanding budgets is not always high on the public’s agenda, but we would like to encourage you to view this year’s budget to understand how we provide services,” he said.
Community members can find this year’s draft Budget online as well as the 10-year financial plan and the revenue and rating plan online at engage.pyrenees.vic.gov.au.
Residents who would like to make a submission to the draft budget are asked to do so by 9 am on Monday, May 22, either in writing, via email or online.
The draft budget is expected to go before the June 20 council meeting for adoption.