Comparison of Various General Rate Increases

A 7.9% increase to the General Rate and Community Infrastructure Charge has been modelled as it provides Council with a small operating surplus from which to sustain and build its financial sustainability.

As can be seen below, an 8.9% increase would provide Council with a larger operating surplus which would be used to fund further renewals/upgrades of Council assets or to provide new assets for the community. A 6.9% increase would leave Council with an operating deficit, thus not able to afford to maintain community assets and facilities to the current level of service.

Impact on Council sustainability of 1% increase or decrease on General Rates and Community Infrastructure Charge

Deficit budget

Non-compliant with legislative and statutory requirements

Depletes Council cash holdings

Balanced budget

Meets legislative and statutory requirements

Maintains adequate levels of cash

Surplus budget

Meets legislative and statutory requirements

Increases Council cash holdings