“The Budget forecasts the delivery of an operating surplus of $13.839 million, much of which is related to flood support income and pre-payments from Federal and State Government for Financial Assistance Grants for next financial year. Council anticipates holding $7.451 million cash at 30 June 2019 and does not propose to borrow any funds in 2018/19, “Cr Brown said.
“The Budget reflects a number of minor changes due to Council and community feedback including revised Family Day Care fees, animal registration concessions and changes to the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange Agents Fees pending the outcome of the current review. Council has also considered Community budget submissions received and is looking to prioritise the 2018/19 work plan to include support to the Southern Grampians Shire Ice Challenge D-Force project, Cavendish Recreation Reserve Toilet and Amenities facility and the Hamilton Showgrounds Masterplan. We thank all those who made submissions to the budget for their considered feedback,” Cr Brown said.
CEO Michael Tudball said there would be a nominal rise in the municipal charge.
“The municipal charge will increase from $192 to $195 (a 1.6 percent increase bringing the total collected to 10 percent of rate revenue). Rates will increase by the mandatory 2.25 percent set by the State Government, after Council again resolved not to seek a variation to the legislated rate cap for 2018/19. Some ratepayers may experience a change in their rates above or below 2.25 percent, depending on the type of property they own and where it is located, due to changes in property values,” Mr Tudball said.
“With the State Government now mandating annual valuations of property, property owners may notice increased valuations The overall increase in property valuations from 2016 – 2018 was 5.7 percent or $193 million. This is distributed across all property types (Rural, Residential/Lifestyle and Commercial) with a total combined value of total $3,584,334,000. This is a positive sign for landowners and home owners across the Shire, as these recent valuations predict strong future growth for our region.
“The main valuation movement across sectors is in rural properties, increasing by around 10 percent, with residential and commercial increasing by only 1.5 percent. There are good signs for some townships however with Dunkeld property values increasing by over 12 percent, Cavendish by just on 12 percent and Glenthompson by 10 percent. In the commercial/industrial sector again Dunkeld is leading the way with around 6 percent growth in values and almost 4 percent in Hamilton. Property valuations are used as the basis for levying rates and therefore each property’s contribution to Council’s overall rate revenue is determined by its valuation,” Mr Tudball concluded.
Cr Brown said she was confident Council had been balanced in its approach with this budget.
“We are always focused on the continued delivery of quality services for the community but the reality is we are operating in a constrained financial environment. It is essential that we continue to review all our activities against identified community priorities and the ongoing service review and planning process assists with this,” Cr Brown said.
“Council is confident the budget delivers fairness, responsibility and opportunity in equal measure,” Cr Brown concluded.
The Budget 2018/19, Strategic Resource Plan and Pricing Register form part of Council’s overall planning, reporting and accountability framework and are available to view at www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au
Media Enquiries:
Alison Quade | 0429601208 | aquade@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au