Eastern Shore Sun

CLARENCE ratepayers will pay an average three percent more for their rates next year.

Ratepayers with water or sewerage services will notice a significant reduction in their Council rates bill in July but will have to pay the anticipated charges from the authority which are expected to 30 per cent higher than the current council charges.

Clarence Council says it has responded to the complexities presented by the transfer of water and sewerage to Southern Water by approving a strong 2009/2010 budget with over $10 million provided for important capital works.

Mayor of Clarence Jock Campbell said that the water and sewerage transfer had led to a 25 per cent reduction in Council’s rate revenue from $46.7 million in 2008/09 to $34.7 million in 2009/10.

“On a comparative basis the increase in Council's net rating requirement, exclusive of services transferring to Southern Water, will be three per cent,” Ald Campbell said.

“We have planned carefully for the future of our community and kept our rating at a low level, despite questions surrounding the state government’s policy on pensioner rebates and future dividends from our considerable water and sewerage infrastructure.”

Ald Campbell said a portion of services previously provided under water and sewerage rates would remain with Council.

"Stormwater is an important part of our community infrastructure, and Council will continue to provide stormwater services."

Clarence City Council will spend almost $1 million on new stormwater infrastructure in the coming year.

Other important infrastructure and community programs arising from the 2009/10 budget include:

“Clarence is looking to the future despite the major changes that have occurred in the Tasmanian local government sector in the past few months,” Ald Campbell said.

“Council remains committed to providing a high level of community services and infrastructure to preserve the city’s excellent lifestyle at the lowest possible cost to ratepayers.”