The District Council of Yankalilla has revised its draft budget and now proposes to increase rates by an extra 2 per cent in the next financial year.

The council paused consultation on its original draft budget following a briefing session for councillors held on 7 May, where it was advised of an unexpected increase in costs since the initial draft budget was approved.

It then held a special meeting on Tuesday 14 May to revise the 2024-25 draft Annual Business Plan & Budget, including the Long-Term Financial plan.

The previous Long-Term Financial Plan 2023-2033 identified that Council would need to increase rates by 2 per cent above inflation in 2024-25. 

The updated Long-Term Financial Plan now identifies a need for rates to increase by at least 4 per cent above the forecast Consumer Price Index rate of 4.8 per cent.

The operating deficit has been revised up from $908,526 to $1,266,044.

The council says the change is necessary to demonstrate an enduring commitment to financial sustainability and to reduce the likelihood of future rate increases being out of step with the sector.  

“The revised increase is comparable to a large number of metropolitan and regional Councils.

“This decision, coupled with the introduction of quarterly strategic finance workshops, aims to improve alignment between income and service delivery so as to also mitigate the need for significant rate increases in subsequent years. 

“This move also assists Council in returning to operating surplus sooner than previously forecast.”

The council has now restarted the budget consultation process, seeking feedback from the community up until 11 June. 

The revised budget and financial plan can be viewed online.

Feedback can be provided online, through written submission or by joining the Community Conversations at the following locations:

• Tuesday 28 May, 4pm-7pm at Second Valley Hall.
• Monday 3 June, 5.30pm-7pm held online via Zoom.
• Friday 7 June  4pm – 5.30pm at the council chambers, Yankalilla.