The annual review of expenditure is now well underway for the 2008-2009 Palerang Council Budget and Management Plan and Council will consider the future of three Braidwood services at its Bungendore meeting tomorrow night.
Council has until 31 March to apply to the Minister for Local Government for a Special Variation on the rates above the capped level of 3.5%, to provide for a 9.6% in the total general rate yield, and once again this money is to be used to fund roads. The forecast cost of roadworks and bridge repairs have increased in the Shire, with road rehabilitation rising from around $65k to around $435k.
However the report to Council recommends that funding cease to the Community Technology Centre, the Westpac Instore Branch and the Out of School Hours Care (OOSH or Kids Club).
These three Braidwood community services are estimated to cost Council, CTC $31,825, Westpac Instore $14,725 and OOSH $8,901, although it is noted that these subsidies are primarily for salaries, and do not include "in-kind" support such as rent, power, phone and cleaning.
In a second part to the motion the report also recommends that Council "Seek community discussion on how the services might be continued without ratepayer subsidy."
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