FRANKSTON Council’s draft budget was approved last week, with a consultation process now underway.
A 2.75 per cent increase to ordinary rates remained in the draft budget which councillors agreed to send to the community for review.
The mayor Kris Bolam highlighted an extra $3.86 million commitment to COVID-19 recovery efforts. “Recognising ongoing help is needed to get us back on track, this budget will build on our existing COVID recovery package,” he said.
“I was proud of council’s ability to quickly adapt last year’s budget, to accommodate the unexpected challenges the pandemic brought and we will continue to adapt — ensuring we not only meet our community’s needs but help them to thrive.”
$66 million of capital works are scheduled in the next year. A voucher program for redemption at the Frankston Arts Centre, PARC, or for hard rubbish featured in the draft budget (“Voucher scheme features in draft budget”, The Times, 11/5/21).
Councillors voted to send the budget out for consultation with a 7-2 vote. Councillors Steven and Liam Hughes opposed, taking issue with the inclusion of an ordinary rate rise despite council’s healthy projected surplus. Cr Steven Hughes said “three months ago Cr Liam Hughes and I brought forward a motion that would have meant the first rate reduction in nearly three decades for Frankston residents and given them some relief to ease their Covid related financial troubles. Sadly the motion wasn’t popular and it was voted down.”
“Tonight we have an alternative proposal for ratepayers, instead of a rate reduction for Frankston residents you will be hit with a 2.75 per cent increase. This is an increase on an already outlandishly high rate which sees Frankston residents pay nearly 40 per cent higher rates than Mornington and 98 per cent higher rates than Brighton.”
Cr Liam Hughes said “this draft council budget had the chance to be a milestone in council’s modern day history”.
“We would rather spend money on white elephants than save money for the people who call our great city home,” he said. “I cannot support a budget that defies the clear need for lower rates.”
To read council’s draft 2021–2025 council plan and budget and make a comment visit www.frankston.vic.gov.au/CouncilPlanandBudget. Feedback closes Monday 7 June.