Council rates conundrum

With the Grumpy Family’s rates burden heading rapidly towards the $4000-per-annum mark it would be VERY tempting to side with the  lobbyists for a “capping”.

Trouble is, such a draconian move would not only put the skids under community-friendly facilities such as sporting facilities,  community centres, libraries,  etc etc. but would/could have a huge negative impact on the whole local scene.

The scenario is put very clearly in a letter from the Australian Services Union which found  its way into the Grumpy Manor letterbox this morning.

I quote: “The State Government does not believe that democratically elected councillors are up to the job of setting reasonable and fair rates…a dangerous precedent. Capping will deteriorate local democracy and cripple councils’ ability to deliver critical services. Cuts to libraries, community centres, child care, kindergartens, waste stations etc, Services that are exceptional to your local area”.