5.9pc rate rise

THE City of Casey is set to introduce a 5.9 per cent rate rise following last Saturday’s budget briefing session.
The figure was somewhat expected with councillors voting in February to limit the rate hike to 1.5 per cent above the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Councillors gathered in Cranbourne to flesh out the details of the budget, with some big ticket items talked about during the in-camera session.
A Casey source said the Melbourne Football Club (MFC) and the associated developments at Casey Fields were discussed vigorously.
It is believed up to $1 million has been set aside for the MFC move, including $140,000 to seal a car park at the Cranbourne facility.
Casey director of corporate services Steve Dalton said Casey ratepayers still pay about 30 per cent less than the Melbourne average.
“(Casey ratepayers) enjoy one of the lowest rates in metro Melbourne,” Mr Dalton said.
A draft budget will now be put on public display for comment and feedback.