Rate payers can expect a bigger bill for the 2019-20 period, after Shoalhaven City Council moved to adopt a five per cent rate rise to support its Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget.
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The DPOP and Budget was adopted by the council on June 25.
"As part of this (June 25) meeting, the council also adopted a rating structure for the next financial year which includes the Special Rate Variation (SRV)," a spokesperson said.
"This SRV was approved by IPART and introduced in 2013/14 financial year."
For a residential land owner, whose property was valued at $400,000 in their July 2018 rates, this would mean an increase in their annual bill of a bit more than $100 in the 2019-2020 period compared to the 2018-2019 period, according to the council website's rates calculator.
The extra cash will be spent predominantly on ongoing operating costs, including staff wages, the repayment of and the maintenance and renewal of infrastructure, such as roads, parks and sports facilities.
There was vehement disagreement between a number of the councillors on the rate rise.
Councillor Greg Watson argued that the rise would "nudge our rates up towards Kiama", however, Councillor Nina Digiglio said she understood Shoalhaven rates were "pretty well on par" with similar local government areas.
Mayor Amanda Findley adjourned the meeting at one point, as discussions became heated.
"When the chair speaks to you, you zip your mouth and listen," she said.
