LISMORE COUNCIL CONSIDERS SPECIAL RATE
Lismore City Council has called for a report which will explore options to increase income beyond the State Governments rate cap next year.
Mayor Jenny Dowell said, We deliver a high level of services to our community but it is getting harder each year to provide quality services to our growing population and to maintain existing assets.
She said that following recent briefings, Councillors had identified four key areas where extra funds would be necessary if Council is to improve its service level.
In every survey we have conducted, the response is strongly in favour of spending more on roads, Mayor Dowell said.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the same surveys provide less guidance about how that extra funding will be found.
Mayor Dowell went on to say, Cutting other services is not favoured and there is also strong support for targeted environmental programs, improved arts and cultural facilities as well as business and employment promotion.
She said that one way to raise extra funds was through a special rate variation.
NSW is the only state with Rate Pegging - where the State Government determines the limit by which local government can increase its rates revenue. NSW is clearly falling behind other states in the provision of services and the maintenance of assets, Mayor Dowell said.
A special rate increase requires the Minister for Local Government to agree. The application to the Minister must include a strong business case and evidence of community consultation.
Nobody likes the prospect of rates increases. However, without extra revenue it will not be possible to improve our service levels, Mayor Dowell said.
The Council will be looking at this matter again in December and will commence an extensive process of community consultation early in 2010 should there be a decision to pursue the option of a special rate increase.
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