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The City of Greater Bendigo’s proposed Budget for the 2012/2013 financial year will be available for the community to view from Thursday May 31, 2012.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Alec Sandner said despite the fact that Council is dealing with rising costs associated with a number of external and internal influences, the overall rate increase in the revenue raised from rates and the municipal charge has been kept at a lower than expected 5.5 per cent.
“Last year we forecast a 6 per cent increase so this is a good result. Council’s main aim when setting the budget each year is to ensure that we continue to provide residents with value for money services and quality, well maintained facilities.
“Rates payable on a home valued at $285,000 (Greater Bendigo’s average house price) with a small garbage bin will be $1,257.35.
“This equates to $24.17 per week which is a relatively small price to pay when you consider that every time a resident steps outside their home they are using services provided by the City. They also have access to the over 100 services that are provided by Council,” he said.
“Council has again reduced the municipal charge which will drop by $32.40 from $97.20 last year to $64.80 in the next financial year.
“This is a deliberate decision by Council to assist owners of lower priced properties,” said Cr Sandner.
He said this year’s rate rise has been largely influenced by a range of increasing costs associated with power costs, changes in emergency management requirements and child care centre regulations.
Other influences include the rising costs of constructing and maintaining roads and other infrastructure, drainage maintenance and upgrades, maintenance of assets, construction of new buildings and major projects, wages and increased standards for tree clearing and grass slashing.
“Garbage and recycling collections have increased to cover the additional costs to dispose of household waste outside of the municipality, extend the life of the Eaglehawk Landfill and compliance with government requirements.
“The garbage charge for a 140 litre bin will rise from $115 to $128 while the cost of 240 litre bin will rise from $196.50 to $219. The annual recycling charge will rise from $57 to $58.50,” said Cr Sandner.
While the City will maintain an impressive $53.6M Capital and Major Works program in the next financial year other new initiatives will include:-
The City of Greater Bendigo’s total operating revenue for 2012/13 will be $148.5M. Of this amount $79.7M is raised by rates with the balance made up from reserves, State and Federal Government grants, contributions and fees and charges.
For every dollar raised in rates and charges double that amount is actually spent by Council to provide services and undertake new capital works projects
The 2012/2013 Budget is available for public comment and can be viewed at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/budget or at City of Greater Bendigo offices in Heathcote and Bendigo until June 29, 2012. All submissions received will be considered on Wednesday July 4, 2012.
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Updated: 10:08 AM, 31 May 2012