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MAV Confirms Latrobe’S Rate Increase Is The Lowest For Victorian Regional CitiesData released by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has confirmed Latrobe City Council’s reputation as an organisation of strong financial prudence. By Latrobe City Council - 1st July 2009 - Back to News Latrobe City mayor, Cr Lisa Price, said that of the ten Victorian regional cities, Latrobe City Council has the lowest average rates, municipal and waste charge per rateable property. The regional cities include Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Shepparton, Wodonga and others.
"The figures are in and Latrobe City Council is well below the average at $1,188. The next nearest is Greater Bendigo on $1243, Horsham on $1285 and Greater Geelong on $1273.
"The data shows that Latrobe City Council when compared to its city contemporaries has developed an annual budget which is conservative whilst being mindful of the need to balance public demands and expectations with municipal presentation and service delivery.
"The City’s development of a budget which builds for the future, incorporating an extensive infrastructure spend, while maintaining a high level of customer service, is a challenge in any environment, more so given the impact of a difficult economic climate," Cr Price said.
Latrobe City’s chief executive officer, Paul Buckley, said the MAV’s annual Local Government Cost Index, released last month, shows that council will continue to find maintaining rate increases at CPI a challenge, due to cost shifting from other levels of government.
"This combines with the fact that council expenses are not reflected in the CPI, as the delivery of council services is affected by labour and construction costs, not the movement of common household goods and services."
Mr Buckley said that when comparisons are made across the six Gippsland local government counterparts, Latrobe City’s rate charges are below the average.
"Latrobe City, whilst meeting the challenges of being a city council, is still below the average in rates, municipal and waste charges per rateable property, and well below the average per head of population."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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