By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CASEY council will apply to put rates up by 3.47 per cent – 0.97 per cent more than the 2.5 per cent rate cap introduced by the Andrews government.
The additional increase equates to $14 per household.
The council confirmed on Tuesday that it will apply to the Essential Services Commission for the variation.
In December community views were sought during the council’s focus group and online consultation on the variation.
Mayor Sam Aziz previously conceded this would be an unpopular decision but said that the council was acting in the best interests of ratepayers.
“While the easier route would be to work within the imposed rate cap of 2.5 per cent and slash essential services, by signalling its intent to seek a rate cap variation council is acting responsibility to shield residents from a future infrastructure black hole and service cuts,” he said.
“Council is taking steps now not to unduly burden ratepayers in future years.
“Given the cumulative impacts of rate capping, Casey’s need will be higher in later years if council doesn’t act this year.”
The Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association’s Rex Flannery had criticized the council’s decision.
“The community deserves better by not having people keep putting their hands in their pockets,” he said.
