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Council’s new budget Proposed p new budget g features $ $24 million expenditure p with a 1.75 p per cent rate increase MANSFIELD Shire Council presented and released their proposed budget for 2022-2023 at a special meeting last week. The proposed budget provides for a total operating expenditure of almost $24 million and a capital works program of close to $11 million. This will be funded with $3.5 million from government grants, borrowings $0.6 million and $6.8 million from council and leave an operating surplus of $2.97 million After a zero per cent rate increase this financial year, next year’s budget proposes a 1.75 per cent rate increase - the maximum allowable cap. The budget also proposes a 51 per cent increase to the waste charge across the board. The average ratepayer currently pays about $330 and will be expected to pay approximately $495 in the new budget. Council said the proposed new cost is comparable to waste charges at neighbouring councils and that over the past few years the cost of waste has been increasing, particularly landfill and EPA costs - indeed the EPA levy went up 60 per cent between 2020 and 2021, and is expected to increase again next financial year. Some other key features of the budget include the construction of the previously announced 100 vehicle carpark in High Street on land recently purchased at a cost of $600,000 (council is borrowing for this project). There is $1.45 million to focus on resolving the long standing drainage issues around the shire, with $870,000 specifically for the Apollo and Highett Street corner. There is $2.08 million for stage 2 of the heavy vehicle alternate route, $412,000 for
LEST WE FORGET REPRESENTING the Light Horse Regiments on horseback at Mansfield’s Anzac service last week were Matt Leggett and Fiona Bolitho. Check out all the photos, starting on page 19. PHOTO: Pam Zierk-Mahoney
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open space and streetscape improvements, $421,000 for path and cycleways and $1.28 million toward the Station Precinct Master Plan. There is also provision for several new employment positions with council. Mayor James Tehan said the proposed budget represented a year of action on the commitments council has made to the community. “Population growth requires new subdivisions and new housing,” he said. “To keep up with this growth, three new positions are also required. “We’re providing an additional staff member for roads maintenance, to service the increased lengths of road in our new developments. “Another staff member will be appointed to parks and gardens, ensuring our open spaces and towns continue to be well maintained and attractive. “We’re also adding a community connection officer, which enables us to provide planning and advocacy in aged care, youth services and early years.” Mansfield Shire has experienced significant growth (3.4 per cent) over the last 12 months and is expected to continue at a rate of 2.2 per cent per annum - this puts Mansfield only behind Wodonga as the fastest growing population in the North East. The other councillors were also complimentary of the proposal, with Cr Steve Rabie calling it an “outstanding budget”. ■ Continued page 2
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