2021-2022 Budget and Revenue & Rating Plan adopted

Budget

2021-2022 Budget

Campaspe Shire Council adopted its $83.2 million 2021-2022 Budget at last night’s Council meeting following public submissions and hearings.

Campaspe Mayor Cr Chrissy Weller said that despite the impacts of the global pandemic and other financial pressures, the budget has been carefully developed to enable a business-as-usual approach for the next financial year.

“I am delighted that, despite the extraordinary challenges of the last 18 months and the continued challenges of delivering services within ever-changing COVID restrictions, we have developed a budget that maintains service levels, delivers a comprehensive works program and continues progress towards long-term financial sustainability,” Cr Weller said.

Five submissions were received to the budget, with two electing to speak at the submission hearing on 26 March.

“Of the five submissions, three were in support of a capital project, and two were seeking additional funds for two separate capital projects,” the Mayor added.

“Council resolved to review the requests for additional funds for the capital projects at a budget review later in the year.

“Following consideration of public submissions along with internal reviews, the budget was adopted with minor amendments.”

The amendments included:

  • Additional grant income received after release of the proposed budget – $784,428 for redevelopment of the Rushworth Customer Service Centre and Library, and for upgrades to the museum displays at the Port of Echuca.
  • Updating the rates tables after receiving certification from the Victorian Valuer General for the 2021 general property valuation. This resulted in a reduction in the rate in the dollar from the proposed Budget.
  • Minor corrections to spelling, grammar and formatting.
  • Updating the Financial Assistance Grant to reflect a slight increase in the grant funds to be received.

    Key areas of expenditure in the capital program include:

  • $10.26 million on roads
  • $2.20 million on land improvements
  • $2.37 million on drainage
  • $0.81 million on recreation and leisure
  • $2.74 million on public buildings
  • $2.97 million on footpaths and cycleways

The adopted budget details the 78 projects in the $28.4 million Capital Works Program as well as listing all fees and charges across all service areas.

Revenue and Rating Plan

Council also adopted its first-ever Revenue and Rating Plan, which will be in place for the four-year term of the current Council.

The purpose of the plan is to determine the most appropriate and affordable revenue and rating approach for Council. It explains how Council calculates the revenue it needs to deliver its services, build and maintain community facilities and infrastructure, and support the community. This includes how the funding burden will be apportioned between ratepayers and other users of Council facilities and services, and how Council has determined the fair and equitable distribution of rates across property owners.

To view the 2021-2022 Budget and Revenue and Rating Plan, please visit Council’s website.

/Public Release. View in full here.