THE City of Belmont has unveiled what could be one of the lowest rate rises across the metropolitan area, with a less than 1.5 per cent increase in rates yield a feature of this year’s operating budget.
The budget, which was passed by the council last Tuesday, includes about $43 million to be spent on capital works projects, including $28m for the Faulkner civic precinct community centre and $6.5m for underground power, street lighting and carparking in the Belmont business park.
The average rates charge for residents has risen by about $30 from last year to $1372 – including rubbish charges but excluding the Emergency Services Levy, which is set by the State Government but collected by local councils.
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READ NOWMayor Phil Marks said the budget balanced the council’s need to deliver major community projects, continue and expand services, responsibly plan for the future and keep rate rises low.
He highlighted the continued provision of three safety patrol vehicles, which costs $1.3m to keep on the road 24hours a day, as well as the BUSlink shuttle service, funding for a local domestic violence support officer and financial assistance for organisations such as the Belmont Men’s Shed ($55,000) as important for the Belmont community.
“This is only a small snapshot of what the City of Belmont provides,” he said.
“We focus on areas our community tells us are important to them and our Budget demonstrates that we remain responsive to their views.
The City continues to focus and maintain its commitment to low rate increases, with only a 1.47 per cent increase in rate yield.”