Mess may make council rates rise

By Callan Date
CITY of Casey ratepayers may still be slugged with increased rates to help pay for the fall out from the Brookland Greens methane mess.
The development comes after Casey councillor Colin Butler tried to get future rate rises capped at the consumer price index (CPI).
Cr Butler unsuccessfully tried to put a hold on any potential rates rise when he spoke at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
The Balla Balla Ward representative, who is not standing at next month’s election, presented a petition signed by more than 350 people calling for the rate cap.
“I am looking for a commitment from this council to send a message to the community,” Cr Butler said.
“I’m not prepared to listen to the cop out that it is the next council’s decision.”
Councillors Janet Halsall, Michael Farley, Wayne Smith, Mick Morland, Brian Hetherton and Kevin Bradford voted against capping the rates at CPI.