Tate Papworth
The Melton Council had decided to delay its 2020-21 draft budget in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
The decision was made so the council can consider any changes that will need to be made in funding allocations across the organisation.
As part of the draft budget review, the council will look at relief packages for residents and businesses who have been impacted financially, adding to a number of measures already implemented to ease costs for residents, businesses and organisations.
Mayor Lara Carli said it was a necessary move.
“I understand that this is an uncertain time for many people and I’d like to assure residents that council is considering what we can do to make things a little easier for you,” Cr Carli said.
“Already, we’ve implemented a number of measures to help financially, including fee waivers and promotion for local businesses, removing or refunding fees for sporting clubs and associations, and returning wandering dogs to their registered owners at no cost.”
For businesses doing it tough, the council is running the Open for Business campaign to promote businesses that are still trading during this crisis, as well as offering free advice, mentoring and workshops.
It is also waiving a number of permit fees and deferring rates for traders experiencing hardship.
