ARMIDALE Dumaresq Council last week bowed to community pressure by halving its special rate variation to 10 per cent.
Councillors voted unanimously at an extraordinary meeting for the rate increase, noting that a 20 per cent hike was “not affordable” for many ratepayers.
The motion passed on Thursday night read:
(a) That Council submit an application to IPART (Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) for a special rate variation of 10 per cent above rate pegging for seven years commencing in the financial year 2014/15.
(b) That Council undertake a review of council operations and productivity benchmarked against relevant external industry standards prior to any further special rate variation application.
(c) That Council commit to ongoing consultation with the community and council staff in relation to the above reviews.
(d) That Council urgently review its hardship policy.
(e) That Council amend the current asset management plans to reflect the actual extra income received.
(f) That Council review the rating categories and the services delivered for each.
On Monday, the council officially lodged its request with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal and a decision will be made within the next 10 to 12 weeks as to whether the rate increase wil be approved.
Armidale Dumaresq Council had to show IPART it had conducted significant consultation with the community about the proposed special rate variation.
“After receiving considerable feedback from the community during the last couple of weeks and the level of concern demonstrated during the public meeting at the town hall, it became apparent that asking the community for 20 per cent during these challenging times was just too much,” mayor Laurie Bishop said.
