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Council Calls For Submissions On Budget

Wellington Shire Council has called for public submissions on its draft budget for 2007/08.

By Wellington Shire Council - 24th May 2007 - Back to News

"The Council last night voted to advertise the draft budget and allow until 6 June for the community to provide comment or suggestions on the budget," said Cr Beth Ripper, Mayor of Wellington Shire Council.

The draft budget allows for a 6.95% increase in income from rates and charges. This is a similar increase to previous years and represents approximately $50 for the average residential property.

Cr Ripper said the revenue raised will be put to very good use.

"The draft budget includes the largest expenditure ever on works programs such as roads and bridges in Wellington Shire.

"The program also includes record levels of new works and upgrades to other council facilities such as halls and recreational facilities.

"This is in spite of cost increases for road works and construction tracking well above CPI increases," said Cr Ripper.

"In recommending this budget Councillors have made a determined effort to actively improve the quality of our roads and facilities," said Cr Ripper.

Wellington Shire CEO, Lyndon Webb, said the draft budget would enable Council to continue to provide current services along with the improvements in roads, recreational facilities and community development.

"Five years ago Wellington Shire Council had very high debt levels," said Mr Webb. "

"This debt has now been significantly reduced and Council is able to increase expenditure on basic services," he said.

Total expenditure will be $56 million for 2007/08.

Mr Webb said it is pleasing that Council has been successful in attracting grants and other funding. Nearly 45% of the budget would come from sources other than rates.

"This obviously benefits ratepayers," said Mr Webb.

Proposed capital works for the coming year are listed below.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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