IT is worth taking note of the mayor’s column published in MyCity Logan.
Cr Power has cautiously paved a way towards this month’s council budget, and it would seem – if we’re to speculate between the lines – we’re in for a heftier-than-usual rates rise.
Councils are not obligated to mirror rates based on inflation, however the Consumer Price Index is usually a fair indicator of where things will head – and indeed often used as a baseline guide to steer responsible and acceptable rises.
It would be wrong of a community to point the finger at council demanding a rates freeze.
As the mayor rightly points out, the cost of building a road is higher now than it was 12 months ago, and indeed pre-Covid.
We’ve been hit by multiple floods, and Covid has likely left a mark on the city’s finances.
However, a rise in the vicinity of 5.1% or higher, which is where current CPI sits, would be disastrous for many who are struggling to meet the costs of rising rents, interest rates, fuel and groceries.
There’s no doubt that council will need to be responsible when considering rates rises. However, let’s hope the city’s bean counters are also compassionate.
Last year’s rise was 2.5% in Logan.
