Benjamin Millar
Maribyrnong council has flagged spending $4 million to help residents and businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis, with almost half tied to a two per cent rate rise.
The proposed annual budget 2020-21, tabled at last week’s council meeting, returns all of the $1.9 million that would flow from the capped rate rise as a rebate to the ratepayers struggling the most with the impact of the pandemic.
Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter told Star Weekly the council was aware imposing a two per cent rate rise during the current financial situation may spark protest, but it was seen as the most effective way to help those who most need it.
The proposed budget, worth $149.7 million in total, includes $52 million in capital spending.
The council plans to spend $12.7 million on its roads, $12.5 million on parks, open space and streetscapes and $3 million to build and improve footpath and cycle ways.
The draft budget also includes $1.8 million for recreational, leisure and community facilities.
Quarterly rate payments for May and September quarters could be deferred by COVID-19 affected businesses and residents, while pet registration and kinder central enrolment fees would also be waived.
Not-for-profit community sporting clubs would have their lease, licence and ground fees waived until December 31 and $300,000 would be spent to boost local arts via a new Community Arts Grants Program for projects run by arts organisations in Maribyrnong.
Cr Carter said the council was sent “back to the drawing board” on its budget once the COVID-19 crisis hit.
“Obviously COVID-19 has had a great impact on the budget and the thing we are most concerned about is relief for those residents who are hardest hit,” she said.
“There has been serious consideration of whether we take up the two per cent rate increase, but if we were not to take it up that does have a cumulative impact of $20 million over the next 10 years.”
Cr Carter said the rise equates to an average $44 increase per household, but no final decision has been made.
She wants “meaningful engagement” with the community before the final budget and rate rise is adopted.
“There are some in the community who are doing it a lot harder than others so we are looking to take up the two per cent and redistribute it to the hardest hit,” Cr Carter said.
“All options are on the table – if the community comes back and says no then we will take that on board.”
The council will host a live streamed question and answer session on the proposed budget on June 3.
Feedback on the proposed 2020-21 Annual Budget and Strategic Resource Plan can be made via email to budgetsubmissions@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au or online at www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au.
