MEMBER for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay wants the state government to work more closely with local governments to meet the costs of running this year\u2019s council elections.
\nThe coming local government election will be held on October 22, and Mr Ramsay said some councils in the Geelong region had budgeted for election cost increases of as much as 53 per cent.
\nHe said the state government could allow Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) staff to use council-owned venues to save months of rental costs.
\n\u201cThere are opportunities for councils to save money on their elections if only the government will make some reasonable allowances.
\n\u201cFor example, the Colac Otway Shire council has estimated a cost to ratepayers of more than $185,000 this year, a 33 per cent increase.
\n\u201cCouncillors have asked the government to review the election costs but they\u2019ve also proposed costs that using a council-owned venue instead of save $32,000.
\n“The VEC has not yet confirmed it will agree to this but it is more than reasonable to make an exception if it can save our constituents\u2019 hard-earned rates from going to waste.\u201d
\nMr Ramsay said all councils faced greater election costs, but regional municipalities had less opportunity to raise revenue under the 2.5 per cent rate cap.
\n\u201cThe Surf Coast Shire has budgeted a 53.7 per cent increase, the City of Greater Geelong expects 33 per cent more costs, and the Golden Plains Shire Council has been advised it will face a 47 per cent increase compared to the previous election.
\n\u201cGeelong residents will see $200,000 less spent in their city this year due to these election costs.\u201d
\nAccording to the Municipal Association of and nominations opening the next day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MEMBER for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay wants the state government to work more closely with local governments to meet the costs of running this year\u2019s council elections. The coming local government election will be held on October 22, and Mr Ramsay said some councils in the Geelong region had budgeted for election cost increases of […]<\/p>\n