Published on Tuesday, 9 July 2024 at 10:07:00 AM
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Council last night adopted its 2024/25 rating strategy which will realise a host of new initiatives in the proposed annual budget to be adopted later this month.
The proposed budget responds directly to community feedback received through the 2023 Community Perception Survey and other consultations like the recent Community Town Hall held at the end of June. Featured programs and services aimed at meeting community needs range from an expanded community safety program to increased programs for families and youth.
As part of the proposed $101 million capital works program, in addition to roads, lighting, footpaths, and other vital infrastructure, the budget will also realise works to the Goldfields Oasis, upgrades to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport terminal, sporting field lighting and delivery of the Kingsbury Park Youth Precinct.
The program is balanced against the increasing costs to the City for insurances, materials, and contractors. The City actively pursues alternative revenue sources to reduce pressure on rates revenue through other government funding and commercial revenue.
Mayor Wilson said Council’s approach to this year’s rating strategy was to respond to community expectations while recognising the significant investment required to make this happen.
“We are working to improve our facilities and services to meet community expectations, but we are also mindful of the cost-of-living pressures affecting our residents. Therefore, we are striving to achieve this balance by delivering as much as possible without adding to the ratepayers' burden.
“Rates modelling is difficult to understand at the best of times and we have adjusted our rating categories to ensure residents are least impacted. Other rated categories will now pick up a greater portion of the rates required to deliver services and projects.
“We understand that residents want to know what their individual rate increase will be this year. However, due to the State Government’s revaluation process, this information is only provided to ratepayers when the rate notices go out. We are raising this as an important change to the way revaluations are communicated for all local governments.
“Please know that we have a financial hardship policy which people can access. There are also discounts for seniors and pensioners, and alongside that, we also have periodic payment options if needed.”
Council will consider the final 2024/25 budget at the 22 July Council meeting.
CKB 2024/25 Budget
In the 2024/25 financial year, the City is investing in a range of projects that speak directly to your feedback. These priority projects align with our Strategic Community Plan 2020/30 and Long-Term Financial Plan 2023/33, with a particular focus on investment in infrastructure, community safety and crime prevention, and public open spaces.
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