MOORABOOL residents face an average rate rise of 5.5 per cent under their council’s draft 2013-14 budget.
A report shows the council budget has taken a hit, with $330,000 set aside to fund a shortfall in the Vision Super defined benefits superannuation scheme. “These costs will continue for the next 10 years,” a council report said.
However, council has projected rates will not blow out over the next few years, with a 6 per cent increase expected each year until 2017-18.
Rates increased by 6 per cent last year.
Major projects included in the draft 2013-14 budget include $2.25 million for works at Bungaree Recreation Reserve; $1.5 million for a Halletts Way southern connection from Stonehill Estate to Werribee Vale Road; and $100,000 for planning of the proposed aquatic facility and Darley children’s hub.
Council will spend almost $10 million less on capital works than last financial year, but the report said a significant amount of last year’s expenditure was due to restoration works following floods.
Employee costs are forecast to increase by $590,000. The draft budget will be presented to council tomorrow night.
