Interested community members had the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with councillors and council staff about the proposed 2016-17 budget and rating strategy.

Discussion items included where do rates go, comparisons to other councils, where council’s income comes from and current issues including the future implications of rate capping for the municipality.

A summary of the council services survey was also presented.

As a result of the survey, there have been a number of suggestions for council to consider.

A link to the survey summary is on council’s website and will be directly sent to those who participated and provided their details.

I encourage anyone who is interested to have a look.

The consultation period for the draft budget is still open until June.

Copies are available to download from the council website or can be viewed at the municipal offices.

There have been questions among the community about rate capping and what it means to council.

Ratepayers may be aware of the recent implementation of the state government’s rate capping legislation in the form of its “Fair Go Rates System”.

The rate capping introduces an annual rate cap set by the Minister for Local Government.

It controls general rate increases for all councils, including Ararat Rural City, during the financial year.

The 2.5 per cent rate cap for the 2016-17 financial year applies to the average annual increase of rates and charges.

Councils also have an option to apply to the Essential Service Commission for a higher increase, but Ararat Rural City Council decided against asking for a variation in 2016-17.

Rates and charges for individual properties may vary from the 2.5 per cent increase.

This could occur for a range of reasons including the 2016 general property revaluation, or the inclusion of other rates and charges not covered by the rate cap e.g waste management charges or fire services levy.

MAYOR PAUL HOOPER

Ararat Rural City Council