Hobsons Bay council has released its annual draft budget which proposes a 2 per cent rates rise, more than 150 per cent of which will be returned via a third community support package of $3 million.
Almost $2 million has been allocated to business and economic recovery in 2020-21, including rebates for food registration ($595,000), extending the waiver of paid parking in Williamstown until the year’s end ($520,000), a business precinct support campaign ($250,000), rent relief in council properties ($210,000) and town planning rebates ($177,000).
The budget is based on an operational surplus of $25.3 million, which does not include a record $67.8 million in capital works.
Works include $15.6 million for roads and drains, $1.5 million for footpaths and cycle ways, $16.3 million for recreation and open space, and $29.958 million on buildings, such as sporting and recreational facilities, civic and community facilities.
The council has reviewed its financial hardship policy to offer support to residents and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cr Peter Hemphill said a lot of thought had gone in to the 2 per cent rate rise.
“It is tempting to go to a zero per cent rate rise, and while some residents may have lost jobs or some businesses might find it particularly difficult at the moment … they have the opportunity to seek relief through our hardship policy,” he said.
“But if we went to a zero per cent rate rise, the vast majority of residents that can pay and businesses that would be able to pay would be let off the hook.”
Cr Jonathon Marsden said “this budget is a COVID budget”.
“Part of this budget is the third community support package,” he said.
“It aims to provide tangible, long lasting and effective support for residents and businesses hit the hardest by the pandemic.”
