Chris Oldfield, Naracoorte Community News
Rates will go up by 2pc in the Naracoorte Lucindale Council area, according to a 2022-2023 draft $19.694m annual business plan and budget.
The rate increase will enable the council to raise almost $11m from the district’s property owners $10.993m.
Council also aims to raise a further $1.97m from service charges and levies on some of its citizens, $292,000 from statutory charges, as well as $2.189m from user charges and “commercial income”.
From government grants, subsidies and contributions, the council hopes to receive $4,028m during the next financial year.
It also expects $125,000 from investment income, $13,000 from reimbursements and $85,000 as a result of “other income”.
All up the council hopes to pull in $19.694m.
Of that amount it will spend $5.678m on employees.
A further $7.678m is allocated for materials, contracts and “other expenses”.
Finance costs are expected to be $100,000.
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment is similar to the employee costs $5.938 m.
Council had $10.060m listed as cash trade and other receivables during the current financial year, but that is down to $7.549m in next year’s draft budget.
According to the council’s media release regarding its draft budget it has a $13.6m capital works program.
Part of that includes $5.5m worth of road construction for Naaracoorte’s Robertson Street from Magarey Crescent to McRae Street. And, if government funding is available, some funds will also be put towards the construction of Boddington’s West Road.
A $3.98m upgrade at the Naracoorte saleyards will be funded by ongoing operations at the facility as well as government grants and loan funds.
A further $1m will be spent by council on its master plans in Naracoorte, Frances and Lucindale. A portion will be spent on the Naracoorte Town Centre Rejuvenation plan, the Lucindale main street redesign, and the Frances cemetery restoration.
Further upgrades also include the Naracoorte Swimming Lake changerooms, Naracoorte’s Market Square playground, and a new toilet facility at the Naracoorte Cemetery.
Council has also allocated $153,000 for ongoing support and sponsorship of community events.
According to the council’s media release, CEO Trevor Smart says the council has delivered a business plan and budget “that is an appropriate balance between the current economic climate, an ambitious capital and projects program and a continuation of services, programs and activities to meet community expectations”.
“Council has endorsed a measured and considered approach to general rates through a 2 per cent increase from 2021-2022, and this is well below CPI, which reflects Council’s sound fiscal position.
“In line with our financially sustainable approach, the proposed budget will deliver an operating surplus of just over $840,000 while maintaining a healthy cash position.”
The community has until June 9, to read the documents and respond to the council.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
