RATES are set to rise 5 per cent under the draft Hobsons Bay Council budget for 2013-14. Last year, rates increased by an average of 6.3 per cent.
The council is expected to borrow $9.24 million to cover superannuation shortfalls in 2010 and last year.
According to an officer’s report tabled at last night’s meeting, the rate increase is needed to cover $109 million in operating cost for projects including the new Williamstown library, Laverton Hub, Newport’s Substation and LeadWest membership.
From July, all property owners will pay a fire services property levy with the amount charged dependent on the property’s value plus a fixed charge.
People with fire insurance will no longer pay a levy through their premiums and will pay the levy at the same rate as those who had no fire insurance. Rubbish and green waste collection fees are expected to rise from $202 to $213 for a 240-litre bin.
The budget will be available for comment until June, with the final budget to be adopted on June 25.
— Goya Dmytryshchak
