Ratepayers have the opportunity to see what Narrabri Shire Council plans for the year ahead.

The council’s draft 2021/2022 Operational Plan is currently on public exhibition until Wednesday, June 16.

The plan outlines proposed council projects, programs, and activities for 2021/2022.

The plan also includes the proposed fees and charges for the new financial year as well as estimated expenditure and income.

The draft plan includes a proposed surplus across all council funds.

“The council proposes to increase rates by the rate pegging amount of 2 per cent plus a further 1 per cent for the next financial year” said mayor Ron Campbell.

“In 2020, the council resolved to not increase rates by the rate pegging amount of 2.6 per cent due to impact of prolonged drought and the emerging effects of COVID-19, and absorbed the financial ramifications to give ratepayers reprieve.

“Gradual incremental increases to catch up on ratable income deferred last financial year will allow the council to maintain its service delivery to the community without burdening the ratepayer with an excessive increase to their rates.

“The Operational Plan is very extensive, containing all of the programs to be undertaken by council in the 2021/2022 financial year including detailed operating and capital works budgets, proposed council rates, fees and charges.

“Council staff have worked meticulously on presenting the council with several financial scenarios with the community and ratepayers at the forefront of our minds in the development of the Operational Plan.

“Council has provided support and implemented many initiatives over the past 12 months to assist ratepayers, businesses and the wider community with provisions such as not increasing rates in 2020/2021, waiving the interest charge for overdue rates from July 1, 2020 to December 31,2020, and deferring the first instalment of the 2020/2021 rates.”

The draft plan is on council’s website.

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