By NICOLE VALICEK
HOBSONS Bay City Council has adopted the budget for 2013-2014, with highlights including a total operating expenditure of more than $109 million and a five per cent rate hike.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay Councillor Angela Altair said the budget will ensure the people of Hobsons Bay continue to receive high quality council services.
“The 2013-2014 Budget is a responsible one and represents good value for money,” Cr Altair said.
“Low debt and responsible financial planning is the hallmark of our city and allows us to continue a major building and maintenance program.”
Highlights include completion of the $3.4 million Newport Gardens Early Years Centre which will open early next year; planning for the Newport Library, Youth and Senior Citizens Centre upgrade; refurbishing the Williamstown Town Hall; continuing to operate the Laverton Community Hub; $3.8 million to continue to improve the local road network, and $2.6 million spent on our parks and our very popular recreational and cultural programs.
The council will also spend $22 million on its capital works program and close to three quarters of a million dollars on securing the city’s future water needs with a number of water harvesting projects being built across Hobsons Bay.
Cr Altair said the council would increase its rates by five per cent to reflect the costs of Council services, as well as rising expenses, such as the increase in landfill levy and funding of the defined benefits superannuation scheme.
“We understand the effect of rising living costs on our community and have taken this in to account when developing the budget and we will continue to ensure our rates are affordable and offer value for money.”
“As always, the council will provide rates assistance for pensioners through its hardship policy and will this year increase the rebate offered.”
Ratepayers will notice a major difference in their rate notices this year, with the inclusion of the State Government’s Fire Services Levy. All money collected for the levy will be passed to the State Government.
The budget can be viewed online at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.
