Launceston ratepayers may be facing a net rate rise of 2.8 per cent if a motion put forward to the council is approved on Monday.
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The motion, to increase rates for council services, has details about the proposed one entry token for the Launceston Waste Transfer Station.
"Residential properties have also been rated to cover a charge of $4 for the proposed one entry token provided for the Launceston Waste Centre and Transfer Station."
The motion is one of a number to come before aldermen at the City of Launceston’s meeting.
City of Launceston’s general meeting will be held at 1pm at the Council Chambers.
RATES DISCUSSION
In 2018-19 is is proposed that the general charge increases from $275 to $282.70 per property.
The waste management charge has increased by 2.8 per cent and has been rounded two whole dollars.
“The overall aim in generating rate revenue is to fund services while maintaining rating equity and keeping rate increases to a minimum,” the report in the council agenda reads.
In addition to the general rate rise, the fire levy has also risen 5.6 per cent, which is set by the Tasmania Fire Service.
“The budget includes a reduction of electricity costs as a result of solar power initiatives and the LED streetlight conversion project. Other solar power and energy saving initiatives are budgeted in 2018/2019 to enhance our Smart City status. The budget summarised below delivers an underlying surplus of $0.186m”
The motion is moved to consider the adoption of the council’s statutory estimates for the financial year ending in at June 30 2019.
ASBESTOS
Door of Hope has applied to the council for a reduced waste disposal rate for asbestos as they undergo extensive renovations.
The report to the council states Door of Hope is planning to remove about 350 tonnes of asbestos from the roof of the building over the next 12-18 months.
Disposal rates for asbestos for the 2018-19 financial year is $157 per tonne. The estimated disposal cost is $55,000.
The motion recommends alderman consider to grant Door of Hope a 10 per cent reduction in the disposal fees for its extensive removal.
Door of Hope will be recommended for a $1000 grant in the 2018/2019 concessional entry subsidy for charitable organisation, which is additional to the recommendation.
The grant program is for assistance with waste disposal costs generated from the charity's activities.
ANNUAL PLAN
Alderman will also discuss the addition of some additional priority areas to add to its annual plan.
Priority areas include: support a creative and innovative city, to create a city where people choose to live, and a city in touch with its region.
Projects and investments that are expected to be added to the plan are:
to support the retail sector in the Greater Launceston transformation project as part of the City Deal
complete the redevelopment of Macquarie House to facilitate the Macquarie House innovation hub project
support the future of the Gorge and Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area
implement the short term objectives of the parking strategy
participate in and support the jobs pathway project in partnership with the key stakeholders of the City Deal.