FRANKSTON residents could receive vouchers for the Frankston Arts Centre, PARC, or at-call hard waste collections under a new council scheme.
The proposal features in council’s draft budget, due to be considered on 10 May. The $1.1 million voucher scheme would equate in value to around $25 per ratepayer.
The draft budget also features an additional $2.86 million for COVID-19 recovery measures. These include providing two hours free parking in council owned off street car parks, fee relief for kerbside trading permit fees, and more.
The draft budget projects a $20.2 million surplus for the 2021/2022 financial year. Council says its adjusted underlying result less non-operating income and expenditure “is expected to be relatively breakeven with a minor surplus currently budgeted of $0.003 million”.
Council’s healthy surplus is boosted by the expectation it will receive $18.221 million in capital grants. Council expects to receive grants for projects including the rehabilitation of Hall Road, the development of a park in Evelyn Street, and for various sporting ground improvements.
Ordinary rates are expected to rise by 2.75 per cent. Rates on industrial land and commercial land will decrease, bringing the total average rate rise for Frankston residents to 1.5 per cent. That figure is the maximum rate rise allowed under the Fair Go Rates System legislation.
The draft budget features a $66 million capital works bill. Multi-million dollar works at Jubilee Park, Monterey Reserve, and Lloyd Park are projected to occur in the next year.
Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said “in 2021-2022 the budget provides approximately $240 million to fund service delivery and infrastructure projects. Each year, our budget provides services for people at all stages of life, maintaining our infrastructure, community facilities and parks, operating our libraries, events, festivals and art centre as well as rubbish and recycling collections.”
“This council plan and budget was developed following a time of significant upheaval for our residents and local traders, due to the pandemic. Our initial COVID-19 relief and recovery package delivered $7.038 million in community and business assistance, and in 2021/2022 an additional $2.86 million will build on these supports.”
Council will vote on the draft budget on 10 May, shortly after publication deadline. If it is approved it will be publicly exhibited between 11 May until 7 June.
