Mayor backs rates rises

GREATER Dandenong councillors have endorsed its Draft 2009/10 Budget.
Residents will now have four weeks to review the Draft Budget and make submissions to council.
Mayor Pinar Yesil said the council recognised the increasing financial pressures faced by residents.
“Council is mindful that a number of our residents are facing uncertain financial times at the moment,” Cr Yesil said.
“As a result, we have kept the rate rise as low as possible and will also introduce a policy which provides options for ratepayers experiencing financial hardship.”
She said the 5 per cent increase was necessary to ensure the council could continue to maintain its existing assets and renew those that were ageing.
Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie said while the Draft Budget was mindful of the economic difficulties facing residents it was successful in meeting the growing demands of the community.
He said the council faced significant challenges developing a long-term financial plan that provided sufficient funding to renew its ageing assets while continuing to facilitate the revitalisation of Springvale and Dandenong.
The council’s rate revenue will increase by 5 per cent in 2009/10.
The proposed rates will result in an average increase per household of $30.35 per annum, Mr Bennie said.
Council will consider submissions received and will finalise the Draft Budget at its council meeting on Monday 29 June 2009.