Kingborough Council’s draft 2020-21 budget is now open for public comment, having launched via the OurSay platform on Monday, May 11.
Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter said this year’s budget was probably one of the toughest in the organisation’s history.
“The COVID-19 restrictions have led to an estimated $4 million underlying deficit next year for council, as it tries to juggle four priorities,” said Mayor Winter.
The four priorities are freezing rates for 2020-21, maintaining staffing levels, maintaining the capital works program and limiting debt.
“It would be irresponsible to inflict a large rate rise on our community at this time and so council has already made the decision to have a 0 per cent general rate increase next year,” Mayor Winter continued.
Members of the public are invited to submit questions or share their concerns on the draft budget and the priority areas through the online platform or via email.
“COVID-19 has left us with limited options,” Mayor Winter said.
“We are opening our budget to public comment so that we can hear people’s questions and concerns, but also so that people can see the challenges faced over coming years.”
Cr Winter said businesses struggling with hardship should contact the council if they are unable to pay their rates.
“We understand that many businesses will need flexibility and I’d encourage them to visit our website or give us a call to find out what is being offered,” urged Mayor Winter.
To review the Kingborough Council budget, ask questions and share concerns, visit www.oursay.org/kingborough-council/budget2020
Questions and concerns can also be submitted via email to kc@kingborough.tas.gov.au or by writing to Kingborough Council, 15 Channel Hwy, Kingston 7050.
The forum and submissions close on Monday, June 8.
Pictured above: As the Kingborough Council works to balance the budget for 2020-21, COVID-19 has sparked a rush to establish home gardens and a desire for self-sufficiency, with some Kingborough families having great success cultivating the savings awarded by a green thumb. Narissa Phythian and her daughters (L-R) Lily, Scarlett and Bella are pictured holding some of the fresh, healthy produce grown from their well-established, Margate garden.
