Sophie Conlon
RATEPAYERS in the City of Mount Gambier will pay an extra 6.2 per cent in rates following the council’s adoption of the 2023/24 Annual Business Plan and Budget.
The $45.1 million budget outlines an estimated operating deficit of $2.8 million and several key projects. .
Mayor Lynette Martin said the council had held five budget workshops where elected members were able to have their say on outcomes.
“Tonight’s special council meeting to adopt the 2023/24 Business Plan and Budget and rating policy concludes a robust process comprising of five workshops,” she said.
“This has enabled members who attended the workshops to be fully informed on an important decision making process.”
She said the plan detailed “intended programs for the 2023/24 financial year, including the annual budget and rating policy.”
Key projects highlighted in in the budget included the continued operation of Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, designing an amenities block for Frew Park, implementing projects outlined in the Sport, Recreation and Open Spaces Strategy, activating the Crater Lakes area, reviewing the Reconciliation Action Plan/ Yerkalalpata and the continued development of a strategy to reach zero avoidable waste to landfill by 2030.
During discussion councillor Sonya Mezenic said she had been a part of nine previous budgets on council and found this time around to be robust and considered.
“It feels like this time it has been even more tricky because of the economic environment we are in and it’s a very different economic environment from when we were here a year ago,” she said.
“Even though I’m conscious that for some this rate increase might be a bit difficult, it was a very responsible approach to what we were faced with at this current time.”
For the last two budgets, in 2021/22 and 2022/23, councillor Paul Jenner voted against the adoption for several reasons, but happily voted in favour of the adoption this year.
“I was quite concerned about interest rates and depreciation, and what I am glad to say is this year’s process had all that addressed in a way that it is now answered within the document where everyone can see it,” he said.
“I am more than satisfied and tonight I’ll be voting yes.”
There are 14,632 rateable properties within the council region and around 62 per cent of council’s operating revenue comes from rates.
Ms Martin said she understood the increase, which is less than the consumer price index, had the potential to be a strain on ratepayers’ purse strings.
“It is interesting to note that the increase is $56 per annum this year and last year was $55,” she said.
“The average household will see an increase of $1.08 per week.
Ms Martin said elected members deliberated and agonised over the decision during budget workshops.
“I know it doesn’t sound a lot but for some people it will make a difference.”
Councillors Kate Amoroso and Jason Virgo, neither of whom attended any of the five budget workshops, both voted against the budget adoption and did not outline why at the meeting.
They were both contacted for comment, but did not reply.
