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“However, our decision-making remains focused on achieving the best community outcomes,” Cr Metcalf said.<\/p>\n
Cr Margaret O’Rourke said preparing a budget in the current environment was “a big job; a big responsibility.”<\/p>\n
“I think we can all say we’ve done the responsible thing again this year,” Cr O’Rourke said.<\/p>\n
Cr Vaughan Williams said community involvement in the budget preparation \u2013 194 people contributed through the city’s Let’s Talk platform \u2013 was “fantastic,” but described the Fire Services Levy rises as “a bit of a tough stretch.”<\/p>\n
“This budget is a comprehensive, community-focused financial plan that balances immediate needs with long-term sustainability,” he said.<\/p>\n
Cr Jennifer Alden added: “We are able to claim this budget is a responsible one.<\/p>\n
“One priority we all agree on … is to continue the focus, often requested by the community, on footpaths,” she said.<\/p>\n
Cr Rod Fyffe stressed his dissatisfaction with the rate capping system. He said many progressive councils around the world did not have to operate under rate caps and were able to invest well in their communities.<\/p>\n
The adopted budget can be viewed on the city’s website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CITY of Greater Bendigo councillors have hailed their 2024-25 budget, adopted at Monday night’s council meeting, as “responsible” and “level.” While adhering to the state government 2.75 per cent rate rise cap, the city has projected an operating budget of $169 million, about 60 per cent or $154.8 million of which will come from rates […]<\/p>\n