TWO Hobsons Bay councillors have voted against a proposed 6.3percent rate rise, saying it is too high a burden on ratepayers in “challenging and uncertain times”.
But a five-two council majority last week voted for the increase in the 2012-13 draft budget, now out for community consultation.
Garbage and recycling charges are
also expected to rise by up to $22 to $189.96-$202.26 per property.
The rate rise – to cover a $104million operating expenditure – has been blamed on the carbon tax, waste collection and disposal charges, reduced state and federal governments grants, election management costs, and the opening of the new Williamstown library and Laverton Community Hub.
Williamstown ward councillor Angela Altair and Williamstown North’s Peter Hemphill, who voted against the budget, were accused of wanting “big ticket items” in their wards without being willing to lift rates to pay for them.
Cr Altair said she “never supported such a hefty rate rise”.
“… Our reliance on rates is at a dangerous level; it’s something like 72per cent and the average around the metropolitan area is something like 50per cent.
“I guess it’s no surprise that the biggest outlay, the biggest piece of the cake, goes to paying employees; nearly half of this year’s budget, in fact, will go on paying our staff.”
Cr Hemphill expressed concern, particularly in the wake of Toyota’s Altona plant – Hobsons Bay’s biggest employer – laying off 350 people.
After the meeting, mayor Tony Briffa said some capital works projects could be deferred to reduce the rate rise.
Major projects earmarked under a $22million capital works program include a detailed design for the Newport library, Youth and Senior Citizens Centre, completion of the Laverton Community Hub, Williamstown library and Williamstown Town Hall redevelopments, and work on Laverton and Paisley parks, Cherry Lake and Altona foreshore.
Feedback on the draft budget will be accepted until May 31, with the final budget to be adopted on June 26. It’s available for viewing at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, public libraries and at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
