Modest 2.5 per cent increase for Albany

City of Albany ratepayers are set to face a rate rise of 2.5 per cent this financial year after the draft annual budget was endorsed at a special committee meeting last night.

The budget before the commercial, community and corporate services committee will go before council for final approval next week.

The budget estimates almost $58 million in net revenues, with $35.5 million generated from rates.

The City has estimated to spend $66 million, with almost $9 million in non-operating grants.

In his budget address, Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the rate rise was modest.

“This increase in rates revenue is consistent with most local governments across the State and aims to keep your rates as low as possible,” he said.

“We also maintain a high level of service ratepayers expect and invest heavily in maintaining existing and construction new facilities and infrastructure that grow and improve our city.”