MELTON councillors debated a “mean-spirited” budget last week then adopted it with a 4-2 vote.
The 2013-14 budget sets aside $36.5 million for capital works, including $8.9 million for road infrastructure, $17.5 million for community buildings, and $4.1 million for recreational assets.
Cr Broden Borg opposed the budget’s average rates increase of 4 per cent, saying many families were doing it tough and didn’t need the added burden. “I don’t oppose this budget lightly,” he said. “There are some items I do agree with, and certainly what I’m sticking to are the promises I made at the election.
“I promised that rates would be capped at no increase, at CPI [only]. This budget does not reflect that.”
Cr Lara Carli said capital works money was not being spent fairly. “I can’t agree with a 4 per cent rate rise and I don’t agree with how the capital works money is being spent, especially in Atherstone where millions of dollars are being spent,” she said. “It’s not needed now. The money is better being spent elsewhere.”
Councillors Bob Turner, Kathy Majdlik, Nola Dunn and Renata Cugliari voted in favour of the budget. The council received 40 submissions, with many influencing the final outcome.
After issuing an appeal, the Lions Club of Melton received $12,605 for additional seating at Navan Park. The Brahminy Foundation’s ‘Wilderness’ program for at-risk youth received $25,000 to help five local teens.
But none of the ideas raised by the Cambridge, Coburn and Watts Residents’ Association, which made 14 submissions, were adopted.
Association president Nathan Miles said the association stood by its view that the budget was not fair and equitable to all residents.
