Council held its Annual Estimates Meeting on May 8, 2018 and has a draft balance budget for 2018/2019 that is available for public viewing at the Council Chambers, Library and on Council’s website.
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A budget summary and information pamphlet is available at these sites, with submissions welcome to be sent to the General Manager or contact your Councillors for further information.
Council’s $15 million budget shows a small surplus across all funds. We employ just over 100 full time positions and whilst wages comprise 25 per cent of our expenditure, a lot of this money flows back through and helps the viability of our local businesses.
Roadworks and road expenditure is our main budget item. We will spend $600,000 on construction / sealing of 1 km sections of Pangee, Mulla, Cockies and Colane Roads.
Our Federal Government Roads to Recovery funding for gravel resheeting of unsealed rural roads has been halved from last financial year to $646,368.
This is part of the $1.3m to be spent on capital road works including resealing and resheeting of local roads. A further $1.72m will be spent on road maintenance works within the Shire.
Our Early Learning Centre and Medical Centre continue to grow with over 2,000 patients registered with the Medical Centre.
Both these services have needed some contribution from our reserves to assist their operations, with Council confident that through the excellent services they provide will ensure future viability.
General Rates have been increased by 2.3 per cent in line with the NSW Government’s Rate Cap. We acknowledge that rates are a significant expense for all our rate payers, however this increase is necessary for us to continue to provide community services in a financially responsible manner.
Our financial performance remains under close scrutiny from the State Government, with a sound auditor’s report and balanced budget essential for small rural Councils to retain their independence.
The clean and tidy appearance of our town, helped by friendly businesses and locals, enhances our reputation as a safe and attractive spot for travellers to stop at.
The beautification of Nyngan, maintenance for our parks and gardens, sporting field and ovals, racecourse and showground complex remains of high priority for Council’s expenditure.
Whilst sewer charges have not increased, increases of between two per cent to five per cent have been necessary for water, waste and recycling services. These increases have been necessary to fund required capital works to maintain a quality water supply and ongoing plant and operational costs.
Farmland properties have not been levied any waste depot charge.
Ray Donald OAM Mayor, Bogan Shire Council
