BAROSSA Council has accepted an increase to its general rates revenue of 1.5 per cent, plus one per cent growth, for next financial year.

The figure was approved at a special council meeting last week and will be included in council’s 2020/21 draft budget when it goes out for public consultation.

For the average residential property (valued at $354,419), the homeowner will be charged an extra 2.21 per cent on last year, at $1596.60 (including council’s $360 fixed charge).

Council’s rate in the dollar charge on residential properties will be decreased by 0.70 per cent, however the average residential property valuation has increased by 3.25 per cent.

The move will see council’s net operating income for 2020/21 estimated at $69,000.

Elected members previously moved for the development of a budget that achieved a zero per cent rate revenue increase for the 2020-21 financial year, in response to drought and the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, at a May budget workshop, council requested more general rate revenue options be provided for consideration.

If council had adopted no increase to its general rates revenue, the average residential property would be charged $1571.80 in rates (up 0.62 per cent on last year), and council’s budget would result in a deficit of $329,000.

The adopted Long Term Financial Plan for 2020/21 had incorporated a general rate revenue increase of 2.25 per cent, plus 1 per cent growth.