By Star Weekly
MELTON Council plans to increase rates by an average of 4 per cent next financial year, according to its draft budget.
The budget will be presented to councillors tonight. The rate increase is lower than last year’s hike of 4.5 per cent.
Rates will account for 69.8 per cent of the council’s income and will raise $79 million in revenue.
Cambridge, Coburn and Watts Residents Association has voiced concerns at the rate hike, saying it will strongly oppose any increase.
“Many councillors during the election made promises about rates,” the group stated on its Facebook page.
“Councillors who have intentionally misled and published lies in their election material that relate to rates must be held accountable.”
—Stephanie Zevenbergen
