The proposal includes more than $8 million for a Capital Works Program across the shire.
The draft, which was released for public exhibition following the recent Ordinary Council Meeting, proposes that council comes under the state-imposed rate cap this financial year.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said council was proposing a 2.25 per cent increase in the average rate for 2019/20.
‘‘This increase is below the state government cap of 2.5per cent under the ‘Fair Go Rates’ legislation,’’ Cr McClaren said.
‘‘This increase allows council to continue to deliver existing service levels, funding of a number of significant new initiatives and the ongoing allocation of sufficient funds to continue the strategic renewal of infrastructure across the shire.’’
The draft budget also proposes to continue to levy a municipal charge, but to reduce the charge from $266 to $133 and council has also proposed to alter the farm rate differential from 82.5 per cent of the residential rate to 80 per cent.
Waste charges will increase by 4.1 per cent, with council incurring additional costs because of challenges in relation to disposal of recycling materials.
The ongoing increase in waste charges is associated with the current challenges being faced by the recycling industry, primarily associated with China’s decision to restrict the import of recyclable materials.
Consideration will also be given to implement a rebate for properties that are committed to providing biodiversity benefits to the wider community through the Trust for Nature Program.
Some of the key capital works projects proposed in the draft budget include:
●Roads resealing, resheeting and rehabilitation, $2.5 million;
●Upgrade of zero-class roads, $400000;
●Bridge upgrades and replacements, $450000;
●Pedestrian bridges, $250000;
●Upgrades to pools, $382000;
●Footpaths, $247000;
●Parks and open spaces, $1.3million;
●Nagambie Recreation Reserve netball court, $150000 (external funding required); and
●Start planning and construction of toilets at Violet Town Lions Park, Graytown and Jubilee Park in Avenel.
Cr McClaren said council encouraged the community to take a look through the budget, as well as the draft 2019 review of the Council Plan and the Strategic Resource Plan 2019/20 to 2023/24, and provide feedback.
‘‘You can access these documents by visiting the Budget and Council Plan button on the homepage of our website www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au, or drop in to council offices to take a look through,’’ Cr McClaren said.
●Submissions to the draft budget and draft 2019 review of the Council Plan need to be provided to council in writing, by either emailing info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au or handing in a written letter to customer service before 5pm Tuesday, May 21.
Those who make a submission will have the opportunity to address their submission at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 11, at 5pm at Euroa Council Chambers.
A final budget will be adopted at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 25.
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