PLAYFORD Council has outlined a rate rise of 0.75 per cent and a $2 million operating surplus in its 2020/21 Annual Business Plan and budget.
At their ordinary meeting last night – held after The Bunyip’s print deadline – elected members voted whether to endorse the first draft of the council’s upcoming budget for public consultation.
The proposed 0.75 per cent rate increase includes 0.39 per cent to offset the cost of the State Government’s hike of the Solid Waste Levy, 0.42 per cent to fund new services and a 0.06 per cent of saving from previous initiatives.
According to the draft budget, a two per cent rise due to inflation has been offset by “short-term, financially sustainable measures which will generate operational savings”.
Council debt is also set to rise by $45,000 compared to the 2019/20 budget, increasing total debt to $172,275,000.
The 0.75 per cent rate rise will generate an additional $610,000 in income for the council.
If elected members voted to endorse the draft budget and Annual Business Plan, it would mean residents and ratepayers would be able to have their say on the document during a public consultation process between May 5 and June 2.
A change in State Government regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic waived councils’ responsibility to hold a public meeting to hear submissions regarding the budget, but Playford Council staff have recommended holding such a session during the May 2020 ordinary council meeting.
“The City of Playford is committed to operating in an open and accountable manner,” the draft budget read.
“This includes ensuring that our vision and goals are clear and communicated to the community and residents and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the decision making.”
The draft budget includes funding for 11 new programs or projects, including $165,000 to build shared-use sporting facilities at the new northern Adelaide “super school” in Angle Vale.
Other new projects include the $391,000 acquisition and upgrade of Goulds Creek Road at One Tree Hill and $1.5 million for stormwater drainage on Stebonheath Road, Munno Para Downs.
