Alexandrina Council has proposed an average rate increase of 8.3 per cent in the 2024-25 financial year to help address a projected deficit of $4.266Million.

The deficit is a $4Million increase over last financial year and the proposed rate rise is 3.5 per cent above the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 4.8 per cent.

This will result in an average annual rate increase of approximately $189, according to the council. 

It held a special meeting at its Goolwa chambers on Monday 29 April, which was open to the public.

Some of the topics included:

• Council's Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2024/25.
• The Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre Authority Draft Budget 2024/25.
• The Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority Business Plan 2024-27.
• The Adelaide Hills Region Waste Management Authority Draft Annual Budget and Business Plan 2024/25.

At the meeting the council endorsed the recommendation to retum its budget to surplus within the next five years.

This includes raising rates by CPI plus 3.5 per cent in the 2024-25 financial year and by CPI plus 3 per cent in each of the following four years.

Cr Peter Oliver and Cr Bill Coomans attempted to modify the proposed rates rises to allow for hardship provisions, but were unsuccessful.

The council will now embark on a roadshow, with meetings in each ward to discuss the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2024/25 and Draft Long Term Financial Plan.

Roadshow meetings provide the opportunity for the community to learn about the budget, ask questions in person and provide feedback to council.

The kick off in South Ward on Monday 13 May from 3.30pm to 4.30pm at the Goolwa Council Chambers.

North Ward will follow on Tuesday 21 May from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at the St Andrews Church Hall in Strathalbyn.

Finally, West Ward will be on Monday 27 May from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at 5 Peters Terrace, Mount Compass.

Any Alexandrina resident or ratepayer can attend any ward Roadshow.

Community feedback can be given via the website, email or hard copy from today, Thursday 2 May until Monday 3 June at 5pm.