Council curbs rates for 2016/17

Armadale Council has resolved to reduce its advertised rate increase for 2016/17 from 3.5% to 3%.

Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones said that all the Draft Budget work to date had been based on the City’s forecast increase of 3.5%, but the Council will advertise its proposed Budget at just 3%.

“We still have key decisions to make about the projects we can fit into the budget and long term financial plan.

“After we hear submissions on the proposed differential rates we’ll make the final decision,” he said.

The City’s proposed rate rise can be broken down into two parts:

• 1.0% local government inflation cost factor
• 2.0% to fund key future community projects and meet the City’s infrastructure renewal commitments.

For the average residential property the total rates increase will equate to about $45 per year.

“The Local Government Cost Index (LGCI), used by WA Councils, reflects costs specific to the local government sector, such as road and bridge construction, nonresidential construction and street lighting.

“We are advised the estimated LGCI this year could be up to 1.5%, but have decided to limit our Budget allowance for this to 1%. This compares well to State Government increases of 3% for electricity, 4.5% for Water Corporation charges and 1.5% for wages, which are all costs the Council must pay but has to absorb into its 1%.

“We understand that household costs are going up and many families are feeling the pinch. However, we have services that must be delivered and programs that need to continue to protect the quality of life enjoyed throughout the district. Council staff have worked hard to keep the cost of these services to a minimum.

“It is hard enough to keep a $100 million plus budget in check without the 5% to 6% growth unique to areas like Armadale and Wanneroo.

“Other areas may slow down but we are still building a new suburban street and welcoming forty new families every week. Servicing those new neighbourhoods must be added to the programs rolled out over the City.

“At the same time we try and represent our region in bringing grants and major infrastructure to the area,” said Mayor Zelones.

It is planned that this financial year will see the commencement of the Piara Waters (South) Community and Sporting Facility; the completion of Stage 2 of the Harrisdale East shared-use site; and necessary upgrades to the State Heritage listed Armadale District Hall.

Residents will be happy to note that this financial year should also see the design phase of the much anticipated Armadale indoor aquatic facility included in the budget.