The City of Swan administration building.
Camera IconThe City of Swan administration building. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

City of Swan to advertise 1.8 per cent rate rise

Lisa ThomasThe Advocate

THE City of Swan will advertise a 1.8 per cent residential rate rise after councillors adopted the figure over the option for no rate rise.

Councillors debated the motion by Councillor David McDonnell at last night’s council meeting.

Cr McDonnell said if there was no rate rise for the 2018-19 financial year services would have to be cut.

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He said the rate rise would mean less than a dollar a week difference for ratepayers and he was not willing to give up a youth centre or other essential services for the community for a figure so small.

Councillor Rod Henderson spoke against the motion and said sending out a 1.8 per cent rate rise for advertising would send a message to the community.

Councillor Kevin Bailey said the motion was to advertise 1.8 per cent, not adopt it, and the figure could change.

Councillor Adam Kovalevs said it would be a shock to the public if the City advertised at zero per cent and had to raise that figure.

Councillor Peter Lyndon-James said residents and business owners in the community were struggling and needed a break.

Mayor Dave Lucas spoke in favour of the motion and said the City had to cover huge annual costs, which were paid for by rates.

“We are a big consumer of water and electricity and if they increase we need to make sure we can pay for it without detriment to services and making cuts,” he said.

“Everyone wants everything but you get nothing for nothing.

“We don’t live in Xanadu or Narnia – we need to be realistic.”

The motion was passed 8-6.

The 1.8 per cent rate rise will now go out for public comment for a period of 21 days.

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