GRANT District Council has mooted capping rates for primary producers amid a 20pc spike in property values in its area.
Releasing its draft 2019-20 budget, primary production ratepayers will pay no more than a 4pc rise while residential ratepayers face a 2-3pc rise under the provisional budget plan.
Overall, the local government body is planning to boost its general rate revenue by 3pc.
Council acting chief executive officer Jane Fetherstonhaugh said the 20pc increase in primary production values by the valuer-general meant there was potential for large increases in rates payable by individual property owners.
“After numerous scenarios being modelled, the 4pc cap with no differential rates gives the best scenario in terms of evening out the rate burden in the most equitable manner,” Ms Fetherstonhaugh explained.
She said the council was mindful that it did not want to “burden” property owners with large increases.
“This is the fairest and most equitable outcome,” the council executive said.
Big ticket items in the budget include the multi-million dollar Mount Gambier Regional Airport redevelopment and under-grounding powerlines along Sea Parade at Port MacDonnell.
The budget also has a $705,000 budget line for stage two of The Waterfront project.
“The under-grounding of power lines is part of the Port MacDonnell’s masterplan, which aims to beautify the coastal township,” said Ms Fetherstonhaugh, who explained $231,000 was earmarked for the project.
Another major expenditure is council’s $175,000 allocation – part of a broader $350,000 contribution – towards the construction of the Mount Gambier Recreational and Community Hub.
The blueprint foreshadows nearly $10m in capital expenditure, which will include some upgrades to the Glenburnie Saleyards.
While the financial plan also shows council is tracked to deliver a $315,000 deficit, Ms Fetherstonhaugh explained the underground powerline project and the hub contribution had to be captured in council’s operating budget.
She said the two items were the reasons why an operating deficit was foreshadowed.
More than $3.5m has been mooted for council’s road program, which is traditionally a major cornerstone of council’s budget.
The community is invited to make online or written submissions and/or present verbal submissions at a public meeting on Monday, June 17, between 4.30pm to 5.30pm in the council chambers.
