September 23, 2021
South Burnett Regional Council’s deficit for 2020-21 is expected to be $3.4 million lower than originally forecast.
On Thursday, Mayor Brett Otto said auditors finalising accounts for the annual report are expected to announce Council had a $1.153 million deficit last financial year, not the $4.56 million deficit forecast.
The Mayor said the difference was made by savings in employee costs and the costs of materials and services.
The Council also had revenue increases from building and development projects across the region, as well as growth in the number of rateable properties.
Mayor Otto said the strong financial performance had allowed Council to hand down a zero per cent general rate rise last year and a 1 per cent increase this year.
He said Council had also continued to pay down debt – which stood at $33.8 million in August – and had cash holdings of $42.62 million.
The Mayor said he was proud this result was able to be accomplished without reducing Council services or staff.
However, he would continue to look for better ways to deliver services as Council “pursued a return to surplus”.
One recent improvement, he said, was a reduction of Council’s “white fleet” from 113 to 90 vehicles.
This move was expected to save more than $500,000 during the next year.
