FUTURE generations of Kingston ratepayers may not be so impressed, but for now, the Abbott government’s decision to axe the carbon tax has saved existing ratepayers money.
Kingston Council formally adopted its 2014-15 budget at Monday evening’s council meeting, passing on a “bonus” to ratepayers in the form of a reduction in the proposed 4.25 per cent rate rise flagged in the draft budget.
Ratepayers will now pay 4.06 per cent more in rates for 2014-15 after council decided to “pass on savings delivered by the federal government’s repeal of carbon pricing legislation”, according to a statement released the day after the council meeting.
Cr Geoff Gledhill hinted council officers had been seeking a higher rate rise than even the 4.25 per cent included in the draft budget, but praised officers for listening to councillors’ views about any increase.
“They took onboard comments from councillors… without sacrificing capital improvements and the service delivery we provide across the community,” he said.
He praised this year’s budget as “balanced”.
The mayor of Kingston, Cr Paul Peulich, said there would also be a reduction in waste services fees, expected to be about $4.
The municipal charge remains fixed at $100 and pensioners will continue to receive a $80 rates rebate on top of the state government’s $208 rebate.
“When council released the draft budget for comment, I said that council was responding to the community’s expectation that we continue to deliver solid value for money to ratepayers. Passing on these reductions demonstrates that commitment.”
Cr Peulich noted Kingston’s rate increases have been trending downwards in recent years.
Rates rose 6.04 per cent in 2011-12, 6.35 per cent in 2012-13 and 4.45 per cent in 2013-14.
“Following the repeal of the carbon pricing legislation, I’m pleased to say the rate increase for 2014-15 will be even lower than originally anticipated,” Cr Peulich said.
Cr Tamsin Bearsley said she had read “every word” of this year’s budget. The draft budget document is more than 140 pages long.
Cr Bearsley joked others should do the same. “It’s a good read,” she said.
Kingston Council has $44.5 million worth of capital works earmarked for 2014-15, including $4 million for roads works and $1.5 million to fix footpaths.
