Council adopts 2020-21 Budget

Published on 22 July 2020

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Pyrenees Shire Council has adopted the 2020-21 Budget and the addendum to the Rating Strategy.

The new budget sets out a roadmap for the coming year in terms of projects and improvements across the shire.

Council Mayor Tanya Kehoe said this budget included a $7.042million capital works program.

“We’re spending nearly a million dollars on gravel roads, $846,000 on reseals, $708,000 on bridges and drainage works,” Cr Kehoe said.

“Our Roads to Recovery allocation from the Federal Government will see $2.09 million spent on the road network,” she said.

Smaller projects are included in this budget, including the drought recovery program.

“There is $100,000 for footpath improvements, $250,000 for hall improvements and $95,000 for improved water infrastructure,” Cr Kehoe said.

Council has altered the Rating Strategy for the 2020-21 year to reduce the differential rate for farming properties.

The farming differential was planned to reduce by 0.9% this year, but it will reduce by 5% which will see a more equitable spread of rates across the municipality.

Cr Kehoe said this decision was made in response to a sharp rise in the value of properties.

“Council re-exhibited the budget and the strategy addendum in response to the new differential,” she said.

“We are pleased to present the 2020-21 Budget to the Pyrenees community.”