If adopted the budget would reduce the rate in the dollar paid on the capital improved value of properties in all rating categories by 6.9 per cent while still achieving a modest increase in overall revenue from rates and charges.
Cr Rob Priestly moved the motion to adopt the draft budget and put it out for public comment.
“This is a draft document, so please take the opportunity to look at it and to pass comment,” he said.
“The zero per cent rate increase is an attempt by councillors to manage the costs of our residents as part of the COVID-19 recovery but overall council is collecting the same amount of revenue.”
Cr Priestly warned that it had been the most volatile period in property for some time in the municipality, so valuations would result in some ratepayers paying more despite there being no increase in the rate.
Cr Anthony Brophy highlighted the inclusion of 2030 emissions targets in each line of the draft budget as part of the council’s commitment to sustainability.
Cr Seema Abdullah said the municipal charge would not change but would produce a 1.48 per cent increase in revenue to the council.
Cr Geoff Dobson noted the budget was a big change from annual increases in rates.
“I can’t remember in my living memory of this council a zero per cent rate increase, I remember it going up by 7.5 per cent one year, I know that because I was on the council that did it,” he said.
Cr Dobson said while the community that campaigned for rate relief should be happy with the outcome there was a potential downside.
“With the reduction in any increase comes a reduction in future spending,” he said.
Cr Sam Spinks encouraged the community to provide feedback on the budget.
“This is your money, you get the opportunity to have a say about where it is spent,” she said.
“This is the opportunity to have your voice heard.”
The motion was carried unopposed.
Cr Fern Summer was an apology for the meeting.