A Special Rate Variation (SRV) to fund the operation and maintenance of six swimming pools around the shire is back on the agenda four months after councillors agreed to abandon it because of the economic impact of the bushfires on the community.
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The pools SRV resurfaced following discussion of council's Long Term Financial Plan which was due to go on exhibition May 28.
At the meeting on May 27 councillors rejected a plan that would have seen ratepayers slugged with a three year SRV of 5 per cent annually from 2023, and which would have been added to the rate peg of about 2.5-3 per cent.
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In addition it was proposed to increase fees and charges - such as water and sewer fees - by 5 per cent on each of the same three years.
The total effect would have seen ratepayers hit with around 22 per cent increase in rates at the end of the three years.
I don't believe residents should be seeing a document with rate increase of 5 per cent over three years at this time.
- Cr Tony Allen
In his comments Cr Tony Allen said he was not in favour of going to the general public with the document as it looked at that time.
"I don't believe residents should be seeing a document with rate increase of 5 per cent over three years at this time," Cr Allen said.
He raised the matter of the pools SRV suggesting that 1 per cent rises over three years at some time in the future might be better.
Cr Jo Dodds wanted to go with the staff recommendation for the increase but her motion fell through lack of a seconder. She said she wasn't able to support a plan "that is ring fencing one community asset" and an asset that was a high cost per person.
Ratepayers can't afford any more. We need to look at the Learning Centre in Merimbula and what its costing us. I won't support anything that sees a rate rise during this time.
- Cr Russell Fitzpatrick
Cr Russell Fitzpatrick said he wanted to see what could be done to turn the situation around without a rate rise.
"Ratepayers can't afford any more. We need to look at the Learning Centre in Merimbula and what its costing us. I won't support anything that sees a rate rise during this time," Cr Fitzpatrick said.
Cr Allen's motion was for a "Special Rate Variation aimed at achieving the six pools strategy and support for critical council assets be factored in from 2023 for consideration in the next Long Term Financial Plan to be considered post the 2021 election as a permanent increase in general rate income".
See also: Council wrestles with budget
He also wanted to see council reduce its costs.
Cr Allen said it was about attempting to bring the community with council and have an understanding of council's financial problems.
"The pool strategy was well publicised last time and while it wasn't accepted by all the community it is about having to do it for the greater good," he said.
The motion was carried with Crs Jo Dodds, Cathy Griff and Mitchell Nadin voting against.
Cr Nadin said he agreed that council should be looking for greater efficiencies and cost reductions but he had voted against the pool SRV when it came to council in the past and was maintaining that position.
Council staff had recommended that the SRV of 5 per cent for the general fund, commencing in 2023 be supported saying it would be needed if assets were not to be significantly reduced.
