City of Albany council backs 4.95 per cent rate rise, endorses 2022-23 budget

City of Albany councillors have locked in a 4.95 per cent rate rise, passing the 2022-23 budget on Tuesday night, with two speaking out against a pay rise for sitting members. The average minimum rate for gross rental valuation properties will increase by $53 to $1120, with an increase by $57 to $1210 for unimproved valuation properties. Councillors froze rates in 2019 to relieve the financial burden during the COVID-19 pandemic and opted for a “modest” rate rise of 1.5 per cent last year. During the meeting, Deputy Mayor Sandie Smith said the council was not immune to the rising cost of living. “We’ve all seen the reports about the increasing costs for the provision of the services we provide, for contractors’ rates and all of those things,” she said. “I think that’s what you’re seeing here reflected tonight.” A 4.95 per cent rate increase is expected to generate $42,130,150 — an increase in $2,269,495 on last year. The City’s revenue will hit $67,545,724, while expenditure will hit $75,937,258. The City’s road network will be targeted with about $14.3 million and $2.5m to fund pathway works. Some long-awaited City of Albany projects to be funded include $6,781,998 for the Albany Artificial Surf Reef, $7,119,502 for the Albany Motorsport Park and $2,137,188 for trails. Mayor Dennis Wellington’s combined fees and allowance will increase by $3432 to $140,701, while councillors’ sitting fees will rise by $792 to $32,470. Crs Chris Thomson and Thomas Brough voted against the raise. Cr Brough said he acknowledged the council and City continued to perform well, but he voted against the motion based on the principle he would like “a greater level of transparency” to justify the rise rather than “opting to go straight to the top” bracket of proposed fee increases for councillors. Cr Greg Stocks said councillors did get a choice because “you don’t have to take it” and reminded members they were on the cusp of reform. “In all likelihood we’ll have less councillors in 12 months and everyone will be having to work even harder,” he said. A 12-month Albany Leisure and Aquatic membership for adults is set to rise by $71 to $995 and by $60 to $847 for concession holders. ALAC 12-month aquatic memberships will increase $43 to $610 for adults, $36 to $519 for children, and $86 to $1220 for families. Dog and cat registration fees will remain the same.