THERE is now utter confusion in our community about the proposed special rate variation.
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The most recent propaganda titled " Council supports a Financially Responsible Rate Rise " dated 19 December 2014 admits that Council is applying for a 26% rate rise, but raises the cost of the associated transport and infrastructure program (the wish list) from $17m to $21.4m.
The goal posts move again.
I would expect a professional and “financially responsible” council to supply accurate and financially responsible information to its rate payers.
On reflection, I recall the first notice/media release to our community members claimed a Special Rate Variation ( SRV ) of a modest 5% increase on the general rate. No mention was made of the compounding effect on the rate increase. Later we learned this equated to a 26% increase over three years.
Interesting.
In Narooma, our first public meeting on the SRV, I am advised approximately 14/15 people attended and confusion reigned supreme. Neither the councillors or the Administration could put a figure on the "wish list", or give an indication of the additional revenue they expected to raise. I am also advised that the Administration advised that of Council’s $74m reserve, only $11m was uncommitted at that time.
In Moruya, our second public meeting with approx 13/14 in attendance, I am advised that the cost of the financially responsible "wish list" was declared at $17m. This amount was costed out to avoid further confusion. Again $11m was confirmed as the amount of unrestricted funds held in reserve.
Release of the 2013/14 Audit Report in late November showed that the amount of unrestricted funds available to Council was in fact $26m. A $15m discrepancy. Again very interesting?
In Batemans Bay, our third public meeting, with approx 70 attendees the "wish list" remained at $17 Million. Emotions ran high however when the attendees discovered through questioning the Administration that the SRV was to be used to finance a larger loan.
In December a community meeting was held at Long Beach and approx 100 people attended. At that meeting a vote was taken opposing the SRV and the motion was passed unanimously by the attendees. Serious concern was also expressed about the commitment of the administration to this community.
Is it any wonder our community is in total confusion. One could ponder if the right hand knows what the left hand is doing or are they both confused and going into the WRONG pocket. God only knows.
As for this most recent communiqué dated 19 December I am embarrassed to be associated with this unsigned /unauthored notification that carries our council logo/letterhead. This example of unprofessional conduct is indicative of the inconsistencies displayed throughout this whole sorry saga. I suspect that this communique would have cost our rate payers somewhere in the range of $15,000 to $19,000. Wasted money!
Putting the lack of professionalism aside and the total confusion with the dissemination of financial information, our community simply cannot afford this attack on their limited resources.
In my considered opinion, this SRV will increase hardship in the shire, and have far reaching ramifications for Council and the community at large.
Clr Milton Leslight