Electors irked at looming rates increase despite Shire of Augusta-Margaret River spending shortfall
New figures showing the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River underspent almost $500,000 on staff costs during 2023-24 has ratepayers scratching their heads about the latest endorsed ratings increase.
The underspend is common in the local government’s budget estimates, though this year’s papers to be voted on next week also signal a major increase in overall employee costs.
The shire had added new positions and resumed full operations at the Margaret River Recreation Centre after its upgrade, as well as added staffing for its new in-house swimming school.
But the steady rises irked council watchers who lodged objections to this year’s proposed 4.9 per cent increase and questioned whether the feedback process was sincere when their arguments were knocked back every year.
Rotarian and accountant Julien Sanderson, representing a group of objectors, told the Times making submissions during the public comment period felt pointless.
“As usual, notwithstanding I think 22 or 23, (ratepayers) were asking for a reduction in rates, they ignored us,” he said.
Mr Sanderson also noted April’s shire financial data indicated an even bigger underspend on employee costs.
“This saved money could have been deducted off this year’s rating increase which would have meant an increase of around 3 per cent only,” he said.
“Where’s the dividend to ratepayers?”
Shire president Julia Meldrum did not respond to questions about savings being passed onto ratepayers, but rejected suggestions feedback was not valued.
“We always value feedback from our community, and each rate-related submission was carefully considered,” she said.
“We responded to every single one with a personalised email addressing individual questions or concerns.”
Meanwhile, the shire’s own notices advising the mooted 4.9 per cent rise was a “conservative” ratings increase for 2024-25 were heckled on social media as ratepayers called out the local government for mixed messages.
Ratepayer Neil Adams said the shire communications were a joke.
“(They say) we know you’re struggling so we want to make you struggle some more,” he said.
Among other social media commentators, Riley McKinnon said increasing rates did not consider residents affected by cost of living pressures.
In a published statement, the shire president said the 2024-25 budget was “carefully considered (for) potential savings to minimise the rate increase”.
“At the end of the day, an increase is an increase, so we have kept the increase to a minimum and we’ll be removing any fees associated with paying rates in instalments,” Ms Meldrum said.
She also pointed to $16 million in planned works and community projects offering direct benefits to residents.
The Times understands a higher rise was initially floated during councillor workshops, in line with 7 per cent increases in Busselton, Bunbury, and Harvey.
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