For the 24th consecutive year, Brighton Council, Tasmania, will keep its rate increase in line with inflation with the general rate rise again pegged to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2019-20.
The rise next financial year will amount to just 2.1 percent or $18 a year for all residential households.
Mayor, Tony Foster, said Council recognised the cost of living pressures on ratepayers and their capacity to pay and he was proud Brighton had now been able to keep rate rises at or below the rate of inflation for the past 24 years.
“Like our ratepayers, Council must live within its means and that is what we are doing at Brighton.
“Rather than spend as much as we want, we simply maintain the same level of rate revenue in real terms and budget, accordingly.
“But because of our administrative efficiency, shared serviced initiatives and other earnings, we are able to continue to enhance our services and facilities for the community.
“We are proud that we have been able to keep rate increases down at a time when our costs are rising and other councils are looking to implement much larger increases.”
Cr Foster said while holding down rate increases, Brighton would undertake a range of community improvement projects over the coming year, from roadworks to the provision of a range of public facilities for the municipality.
“Brighton’s strong financial management and our employee efficiency and performance, coupled with our commitment to shared services with other Councils, means our ratepayers continue to benefit from the full range of services at the lowest possible cost.”
