Rate rises are being rushed through

Ratepayers have received a letter from Rik Hart, Acting CEO of Central Coast Council, outlining the case for either a temporary (seven years) 10 per cent one-off rate increase or a permanent one-off 15 per cent rate rise, with a push for the 15 per cent permanent increase.

Two Council online surveys have been posted on yourvoiceourcoast.com in succession by the interim administration claiming to give ratepayers the opportunity to have their say.

The first survey was basically a choice between the 10 per cent temporary option or the 15 per cent permanent option.

The second one was posted in response to community feedback that many residents and ratepayers felt restricted in their opportunity to express their views about the option of "no rate rise - rate peg only".

In fact, neither survey was structured to allow a general expression of views on the financial mess.

This rate rise proposal, in conjunction with Council selling off assets, reducing the workforce and expenditure on infrastructure, materials and contracts, is placing a considerable burden on ratepayers who provide 29 per cent of council revenue.

Rik Hark's letter provides no explanation as to what restricted funds are normally used for and why they have to be paid off as soon as possible, apart from incurring a burden for future generations.

Are there other options of revenue-raising that could be explored with the state government that could reduce the need for these considerable rate rises, without incurring long term debt?

It seems these rate rises are being rushed through without proper public consultation.

SOURCE:

Email, 22 Jan 2021

Suraya Coorey, Woy Woy