KINGSTON Council’s draft budget for the next financial year projects a nearly $23 million surplus.
The draft budget, approved by Kingston councillors at their 25 May meeting, proposes a 2 per cent rise in “total rates and municipal charges”.
Nearly $66 million has been allocated to spend on capital works in the municipality during the 2020/2021 financial year.
Projects which are set to be undertaken in the next financial year include works on the Dolamore Reserve track, Aspendale Gardens pavilion, G.H. Soppet pavilion, and the Dales Park netball centre. Ratepayer funding has also been allocated to upgrade the scout and girl guide halls.
The mayor Georgina Oxley said “these are very tough and uncertain times and council has been able to put together a draft budget that continues to provide vital financial support for our residents and businesses while also delivering essential services, infrastructure repairs and important major projects to improve community facilities.”
“To assist ratepayers in our community who are struggling, council will extend the $112.20 pensioner rebate to ratepayers who are on the JobSeeker allowance and to businesses that are registered for the Federal Government JobKeeper payment scheme for the 2020/21 year,” she said. “In addition, no interest will be charged on overdue rates during 2020/21 and rates can also be deferred for payment until 30 June 2021.”
Visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/202021budget to read the draft budget, make a submission, or register for an online public information session. Consultation closes 24 June.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 3 June 2020
