A rates increase in the West Tamar municipality will be equal to less than a dim sim a week, according to one councillor.
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The council unanimously approved a motion at its June meeting on Tuesday to raise rates by 2.65 per cent, as a part of its 2018-19 budget, in the wake of reduced dividend payments from TasWater.
West Tamar councillor Tim Woinarski said at the meeting that the increase needed to be put into persepctive.
“We’re putting our [rates] up by 2.65 per cent and for some of the highest priced properties that’s less than a dim sim a week extra,” he said.
“That comes from our four highest priced properties.”
The TasWater board announced in 2016 it would reduce dividends to its owners – the 29 Tasmanian councils.
Councillor Peter Kearney said at the meeting that the West Tamar Council had lost $1.8 million in monetary redistribution.*
I think the fact we have been able to keep our rates change to a small figure speaks volumes to our senior management team.
- West Tamar mayor Christina Holmdahl
Statements on Tuesday largely revolved around the 2.65 per cent rate rise being modest compared to the 5 per cent increase touted by the Meander Valley Council.
“I think the fact we have been able to keep our rates change to a small figure speaks volumes to our senior management team,” mayor Christina Holmdahl said.
“They should be congratulated for being able to produce a budget of this kind, regardless of the reduction of TasWater dividends.”
Deputy mayor Joy Allen said ratepayers would see sharp rate rises in subsequent years if the council had not implemented its 2.65 per cent increase for 2018-19.
“It’s a small increase compared to some of the other councils discussed,” she said.
“It’s important [increases] are incremental so we keep up with our long term budget.”
*Original article incorrectly stated that the loss of revenue was $500,000.
Stefan Boscia
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
Stefan came to The Examiner after working as a copywriter at a digital media firm in Melbourne and interning at The Conversation. He is enthusiastic about reporting on business, local government and environmental issues. When he is not chained to his work desk, Stefan enjoys getting brunch, reading Saul Bellow novels and watching Carlton games.
