OBERON Council is considering an application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation for the five-year period 2015/16 to 2019/20.
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The Special Rate Variation will seek to increase rates beyond the current maximum Rate Pegging Limit imposed on all councils by the NSW Government.
Oberon mayor John McMahon said council is preparing two options for consideration.
He said option one is for an increase of 7.5 per cent above the rate pegging limit each year for the next five years.
Option two is an increase of 14.5 per cent spread over five years, with the components of the rate increase are 2.5 per cent or 3.5 per cent each year in addition to the rate pegging limit.
“This is a tough decision, but with increased costs we have no option if we are to stay a sustainable council.We need support and feedback from the community,” he said.
“With an increase in overhead costs, all rural councils are in the same boat after state and federal funding cuts formaintaining roads. Oberon Council is holding its own but we do not want to go backwards.
“Another problem we have is nearly 50 per cent of rateable land in Oberon’s LGA area is owned by NSW State Forests and National Parks who do not pay any rates.”
A survey is being mailed to all Oberon Council ratepayers for completion and return by Friday, November 28, 2014.
Council will also conduct a random phone survey of approximately 250 ratepayers, ensuring greater opportunity to capture feedback and input from the broad community.
A public information session will be held on Thursday, November 20 at 6pm at the Robert (Bob) Hooper Community Centre to provide details about the survey.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the session to ask questions.
