Elected members have had a mixed reaction to a business plan and budget prepared by Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s management team.

A shock 5.8 percent rate hike is included in the 53 page document unveiled at a special May 1 council meeting.

Crs Tom Dennis, Monique Crossling and Damien Ross each said they supported the document.

While all elected members praised staff for preparing the draft plan and budget, some were less enthusiastic about the sudden rate increase.

Cr Peter Ireland suggested the $607,487 redesign of Jones St between the Town Squares be scrapped, and replaced with a $300,000 upgrade of Hinkley St.

He said the Jones St expenditure was “a want more than a need” and described how the road was still in good condition.

Referring to drainage problems on Hinkley St, Cr Crash Downward said it was a really serious issue which needed to be dealt with “sooner rather than later”.

Cr Abigail Goodman highlighted the draft budget included a 5.8 percent rate increase, “when previously we have been talking about less than that”.

“I really take on board that this is the start of consultation and we will provide that to the community, to give us feedback and direction,” she said.

Cr Tom Dennis praised the work of staff and said he was comfortable with the budget “as it sits”.

Cr Cameron Grundy indicated he thought the rate increase would be debated earlier, but agreed community consultation was the best way forward.

Cr Craig McGuire referred to a list of figures written down in some notes, suggesting there was a 42 percent increase in patrol grading.

“I do believe that is a little bit excessive,” he said.

He feared such an increase in grading might not be easily rolled back to previous levels.

Cr McGuire further questioned whether there should be an increase in patrol grading before an audit of rural roads was completed.

Cr Darren Turner reflected on the administration’s proposed plan for a five to 10 year term, citing the suggestion of two 5.8 pc rate rises, this year and next, followed by a 3 percent increase.

Cr Turner suggested a 4.8 percent increase this year and next year, followed by another 4 percent increase for the next 8 years.

“We actually land slightly ahead of where we will be with the 5.8 percent increase in 10 years,” he said.

Cr Damien Ross praised the 5.8 percent increase and said the draft budget “provides an opportunity to talk to the community so they can understand ”¦ what we are going through”. He called for more research regarding Cr Ireland’s earlier suggestion to fix up Hinkley St rather than a $607,000 upgrade to Jones St.

Cr Ross said there were three different things which could be the cause of flooding on Hinkley St. He suggested they be eliminated before making a decision.

Mayor Patrick Ross smiled and said: “Sure enough, because you don’t live on Hinkley St.”

Mr Ross said he also took on board Cr Ireland’s comment that Jones St was still in good condition.

Cr Crossling said she was happy with the business plan and budget.

“I do believe we need to go with a minimum of 5.8 percent (increase) to our community,” she said.

“It’s on us as elected members to educate our community on why we need a 5.8 percent increase.”

People can access a copy of the 2024-25 draft business plan and budget from the council office and the council’s website.

Comments about the 53-page draft document can be made to local councillors, or by writing a letter, sending an email, or via council’s website, but they need to reach the council before 5pm on May 27.  

This article appeared in the  Naracoorte Community News.