 Shocked by recent rates notices
Fiona Snedden, Council Candidate, MCC, who is a South
Yarra resident for over seven years, provided the following
editorial:
Residents like me are alarmed by promises for a rate freeze
made by Lord Mayoral contenders Gary Singer, Peter
McMullin and others. Many have been shocked by recent
rates notices - some increasing in $ terms by 70% - albeit
that these increases are due to the O7/08 property spike.
The prospect of rates being \"frozen\" at these exorbitant
levels is truly frightening and it is a con. Will we rely on
falling property prices to bring down those rates?
A thorough review of the rate structure is needed, coupled
with an analysis of the cost of services offered to
Melbourne\'s rate payers and residents; improved property
values over which neither Council, residents nor businesses
have any control, should not \"gift\" Council\'s coffers.
The budget process itself needs a complete overhaul with a
stringent, more transparent appraisal of proposed
expenditure.
The current method of establishing the budget figure is
antediluvian and a corporate disgrace. Basically, recurring
expenditure, grants and projects favoured by management
(with a few dollars thrown at elected councillors\' election
promises, if they\'re lucky) are merged; combined revenue
from parking meters and other sources is subtracted and the
remainder divided by the number of rate payers.
As I believe that the budget and rates are unjust and unfair,
that the whole process is fatally flawed and needs radical
reworking, I voted against the past two budgets and am
committed, along with Nick Columb, Sue Calwell and
the Passion for Melbourne team, to pursuing budget and
rates reform if re-elected.
© Southbank Info 2009 |
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