PLAYFORD ratepayers are set to be hit with a 3.9 per cent rate rise next financial year, more than twice the current rate of inflation, according to Playford Council’s draft 2019/20 Annual Business Plan (ABP).
The rate increase is expected to generate $3 million in revenue for the embattled council, which has taken on an “overspend” of $400,000 as a result of its current legal battle with former chief executive Mal Hemmerling, who it sacked in December for alleged workplace harassment.
It comes after the council was slammed by residents in 2017 when it attempted to introduce a steep property rate hike for primary producers in order to subsidise commercial and some residential
rates.
Council is expecting a $236,000 operating surplus as a result of the rate rise, with 1.9 per cent of the increase to adjust for inflation and a further two per cent to fund new projects.
Projects in the draft ABP include funding for the new Grenville Hub, installation of a new roundabout at the intersection of Anderson Walk and Coventry Road, creating more programs at the Northern Sound System, and a purpose-built adult change facility at Fremont Park.
Playford mayor Glenn Docherty said fast growth within the council area made it important to invest in facilities for residents.
“The money we are proposing to spend is developing infrastructure that supports our community – roads, parks, drainage and sporting facilities, as well as maintaining and upgrading already existing infrastructure,” Mr Docherty said.
“We strongly encourage residents to provide us their feedback on the draft Annual Business Plan via the consultation process when it kicks off on May 7.”
The ABP was discussed at last Tuesday’s council meeting, where three councillors – Akram Arifi, Dennis Ryan and Stephen Coppins – voted against sending the plan out to consultation, citing issues with the increased rate rise.
The plan’s executive summary states the budget is “responsible” and will have a positive impact on the council’s debt position, which is currently $136.4 million.
“With a surplus operating position and good debt management principles, we are strengthening our financial sustainability to absorb future challenges as a growing council,” it stated.
Playford residents can provide feedback on the draft APB from May 7 when it is released for public consultation.
