Council rates approved for 2011/2012 financial year
On Wednesday evening Wingecarribee Shire Councillors resolved to adopt a motion to increase Council rates for the forthcoming 2011/12 financial year after the expiry of the mandatory exhibition period.
The approval to increase general income by 9.5% was granted by the then Minister for Local Government in 2007/08 as part of a five year increase.
The increase also applies to Council’s Wingecarribee Our Future Environment (WOFE) special rate levy which has a further two years to run under its current five year period.
“The 2011/12 rates increase represent the final year of our five year infrastructure maintenance program,” said Wingecarribee Shire Council General Manager, Jason Gordon.
“This program was created to provide additional funds for the maintenance and rehabilitation of Council’s existing infrastructure. Although residential rates in general will rise by approximately 9.5%, other services such as water, sewer and waste charges have incurred varying changes,” the General Manager said.
The increase will mean the average residential property – a property which has an approximate land value of $302,000 – can subsequently expect an increase of approximately 7.4% to their total annual Council rates and charges.
“A 7.4% increase for the average residential property equates to a total increase for all Council rates and charges of approximately $3.30 per week.”
“Whilst these figures are an approximation, different rates apply for different categories. Council also recognises that any increase to the cost of living is difficult, and we remind anyone who is having difficulty in meeting their repayments to contact Council about repayment options”.
Rates for the 2012/13 financial year will be determined in line with rate-pegging as set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) of New South Wales.