Please note: this is an old article
It was published in June 2012, so the information may be out-of-date.
The Strategic Resource Plan was adopted at today’s Greater Shepparton Special Council Meeting, but Councillors have decided to seek more time to consider options for the 2012/13 budget.
As part of an annual review of the Council Plan, the Strategic Resource Plan was adjusted to recognise some changes to forecast rate rises, borrowings, capital works programs and some grants that have been received earlier than anticipated.
While the budget has been postponed until 17 July, the fees and charges schedule was adopted and will come into effect on 1 July. The schedule includes a range of user pays fees and charges for services such as waste, leisure, child care and parking meters as well as a number of statutory items such as animal registrations and fines.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Michael Polan said Councillors requested the extension for the budget to enable more time for Councillors to consider a range of options following the recent budget submission process.
"Council held seven community meetings and received more than 20 formal submissions as well as a range of other feedback from across the community," Cr Polan said.
"A special meeting was held to hear submissions on 19 June and Councillors met today to consider those submissions.
"Given the nature of the submissions and, in particular, the request to consider further rate relief for commercial properties, we have requested more time to enable a more thorough investigation of the options and the potential impacts that funding cuts could have on services and projects."
The budget will be considered at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 17 July.
The updated fees and charges schedule and Strategic Resource Plan will be available on Council's website shortly.
- Released 26 June 2012