May 18, 2012
The South Burnett Regional Council has no choice but to increase rates, Mayor Wayne Kratzmann warned today.
He was speaking after councillors sat down with senior staff this morning to begin work on formulating the 2012-13 Council Budget.
“Council must deliver better services, including roads, streetscapes and water, and this will cost money,” Cr Kratzmann said.
“Unfortunately due to reduced subsidies from the Federal and State Governments as well as the Carbon Tax, Council is left with no choice but to increase rates.”
He said the size of the rise had not yet been decided but the Budget would be framed with a surplus in mind.
The new Council would not shy away from the tough decisions.
Deputy Mayor Cr Keith Campbell, who is Council’s newly appointed Finance Portfolio spokesman, agreed.
“Councils are required to make decisions to ensure their financial sustainability under legislation. This leaves Council with limited options,” he said.
“Despite the rate and services increase the Budget will include the biggest-ever spend on capital works with record road spending and with works to commence immediately after the Budget is adopted on June 26.”
Cr Kratzmann said formulating the Budget was a complex process and the council team was “working around the clock to totally comprehend all of the issues”.
