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Draft Wodonga Council budget released
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Posted: 11/05/2009
Published May 11, 2009
WODONGA Council has tonight released its 2009-2010 draft budget, with a strong emphasis on consolidating for the future.
Mayor Cr Mark Byatt said it was vital the council take a fiscally responsible approach to the future, with no new borrowings proposed for the next financial year.
“The council has budgeted for rates revenue from 2009-2010 of $26 million, based on a 4.75 per cent rates increase,” he said.
“When we revised our 2008-2009 budget in March, we made it clear that we faced tough times due to the impact the global economic downturn had on Wodonga.
“As a result, we have been impacted by the non-sale of Logic as an englobo package and the non-settlement of three contracted sales at Logic.
“While we will still move forward with our plans to place Logic on the market as an englobo package when appropriate, it has not been possible to budget for sales income in this budget.”
Chief executive officer Gavin Cator said the budget had been prepared in conjunction with a 10-year strategic resource plan, which provided the first comprehensive review of the council's financial position.
“We believe this budget has struck a balance between being economically prudent and continuing to deliver services to Wodonga's growing community,” Mr Cator said.
“We have budgeted for $49.8 million of services to the community, with the council to maintain its current level of delivery in the majority of cases.
“Our capital works' budget is $6.96 million, again due to the impact of the global financial crisis, and we will continue to assess this budget carefully.
“As an organisation, we will carefully evaluate our operating expenditure in tune with our current financial situation and recognise the need to, over time, reduce our operating deficit.”
As a part of the public submission phase for the council plan and budget, four public forums will be held during May.
The dates are:
- Monday, May 18 from 6pm to 8pm - council chamber, Hovell St, Wodonga
- Wednesday, May 20 from 6pm to 8pm - Bonegilla Hall, 3394 Murray Valley Highway, Bonegilla
- Monday, May 25 from 6pm to 8pm - Felltimber Community Centre, Melrose Drive, Wodonga
- Tuesday, May 26 from 6pm to 8pm - Baranduda Community Centre, Sage Crt, Baranduda
Everyone is welcome to attend.
The draft budget is available for download by clicking here:
