Rate rise to be modest

Report says Wodonga on track

A REPORT applauding Wodonga council’s financial viability was used to slam recent media criticism and make good a promise of modest rate rises last night.

The city was ranked 14th of the 79 councils benchmarked in the Municipal Association of Victoria’s study into long-term financial viability.

Cr Brian Wicks said the performance showed the city was on the right track.

“This proves that recent media reports targeting the performance of this council are well off the mark,” he said.

“Well done to all involved.”

Chief executive Peter Marshall promised modest rate rises for the next two years and the forseeable future when quizzed over the rating.

Council notes had also highlighted the fact that Wodonga was the fourth-highest rating municipality in the state.

“We realise this is a good performance but we expect to climb even higher in coming years as our policy of increasing commercial investment in the city reaps rewards and reduces the burden on residential ratepayers,” he said.

“We have promised modest increase in residential rates in the next two years and well into the future.

“In time we would expect Wodonga rates to fall from fourth to be in the top two-thirds of councils as others increase rates to meet their financial commitments.”

Mr Marshall said the study was an important benchmark for all councils.

“This has been the result of four years’ hard work,” he said.

“Achieving this benchmark was a rigorous process to assess whether council can achieve its goals, including asset renewal.”

Last night’s meeting notes said Wodonga needed to increase funding for the renewal and creation of assets.

The Municipal Association of Victoria’s data looked at finances, roads, rates, population and community satisfaction.

At the other end of the spectrum 15 councils were deemed “at risk”, and facing a range of financial challenges.

Source: The Border Mail

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