The costs per ratepayer in terms of service charges have also increased in the area of refuse – from $265 up by $80 to a total of $345 (or $305 for pensioners), while pool inspection charges for pool-owners are up by $2.85 to $16.60. There is no change to the security charge, which is $44.50 per ratepayer.

In determining the end figure for all of its ratepayers the City combines the Gross Rental Value (determined by the Valuer General’s Office) with the rate in the dollar (set by the City, after taking into account the costs to maintain its products and services and deducting all other forms of revenue).

Chief Executive Officer Dr Shayne Silcox said the City of Melville faced similar fee hikes as other local governments in terms of electricity and water, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) levy, and the amendment to waste legislation. “It has just been announced that landfill levy charges will now not come into effect until 1 January, 2010. However, this does not change our Budget or rate rise. What it means is the City will not need to take as much funding from its Refuse Reserve Fund to subsidise the planned increase, and can leave more money remaining in this fund to reduce future impact on ratepayers.”

“In terms of other increases, the electricity increase alone is $400,000, which represents an approximate one per cent rate increase. This is only one out of more than 200 product lines we deliver. Additionally, the rising costs of waste management – caused not only by the State Government’s landfill levy increasing from $7 to $28 per tonne from 1 January, 2010 but also by the significant reduction in sale prices of recyclables – have contributed to a significant increase in the refuse charge,” he said.

“Therefore, there are many factors which need to be taken into consideration when the City determines how much its residents will pay in their rates. However, in a year where we have been concentrating on reducing costs to ensure the burden on our ratepayers is lessened, it is somewhat disheartening that we have to absorb these increases. Last financial year, the increased costs to the organisation were more than 16 per cent, however, our rate increase at the time was eight per cent, with the City absorbing eight per cent of costs. This year we have absorbed much of the cost again – but this cannot continue without affecting the products and services delivered by the City,” he said.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the Budget was an appropriate response to the current economic conditions. “In this Budget, we have shown consideration for the difficult times residents currently face by trying to keep rates as low as possible, while at the same time needing to factor in the mandatory State Government cost increases. It is important to appreciate the rates levied contribute to providing a diverse range of high-quality products, services and facilities for nearly 100,000 residents. The City will continually endeavour to ensure rates are kept as low as possible, while maintaining a high level of service delivery for its many residents. We have also managed to achieve this result without resorting to borrowing,” he said.