Victoria Park backs down on 5 per cent rate increase over cost-of-living crisis, agrees to 4 per cent instead

The Town of Victoria Park has backed down on a 5 per cent rate increase — instead agreeing to a 4 per cent rise. The original rise would have seen a 5 per cent increase but after consideration of the town’s carryovers from the previous budget and feedback from ratepayers over living pressures, the decision was made to increase the rates by only 4 per cent. At the special council meeting on Tuesday night, Victoria Park mayor Karen Vernon said the 4 per cent increase was “sufficient to cover the town’s operating and capital expenditure”. She said that feedback on the advertised 5 per cent rate increase raised concerns over the cost-of-living pressures on residents. “I’ve always considered rates a balancing act between the town’s ability to deliver quality services and maintain assets and the ability for our ratepayers to pay for those services,” Ms Vernon said. Property owners, using their property for residential purposes, will be required to pay a minimum of $1411. Non-residential property owners will be required to pay a minimum of $1467. Vacant property landowners will need to pay the town $2287. Local resident Vince Maxwell advocated for council to reconsider their advertised rates. “Can you imagine the headlines if you did that?” Mr Maxwell said. “Can you imagine the goodwill in the community if you did that? “I’m not seriously advocating for a 35 per cent rate cut but I am merely demonstrating how much capacity you have.” Mr Maxwell shared his concerns regarding the request to council to increase rates to increase the capital works program. “Instead, you could reallocate the existing money you have, as well as the money in surplus,” he said. He calculated that would be almost $7 million added into the town’s reserves over the budget from last year. “All of that could be allocated towards new works, instead of adding money to the town’s bank accounts,” Mr Maxwell said. “It’s your opportunity if you wanted to get on the front page tomorrow.” The 4 per cent increase in rates were supported unanimously by council.

Victoria Park backs down on 5 per cent rate increase over cost-of-living crisis, agrees to 4 per cent instead

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