Published on Thursday, 9 April 2020 at 9:55:00 AM
On Tuesday, 7 April 2020, Council held a Special Meeting to address the COVID-19 Pandemic and measures that will need to be implemented for the benefit of our Shire and it’s residents.
Council agreed to the following:
- Budget for a zero rate increase for the 2020/21 Financial Year, recognising that this will result in a reduction in revenue of $215,000.
- Make provision in the 2020/21 Budget for a reduced instalment interest rate of 2% and instalment charge of $0 for 2020/21 rates, and a reduced penalty interest of 5.5% on outstanding rates.
- Budget for a zero increase to Fees and Charges for the 2020/21 Financial Year, recognising that this will result in a reduction in revenue of $5,000.
- Reduce rental payments by 50% to commercial tenants of Council properties as detailed in Confidential Appendix 1 for a three month period (April, May and June 2020), recognising that the estimated loss of revenue during this period will be $24,000 for the three months. The reduction in rental payments by commercial properties will be reviewed by Council during the period and may be terminated earlier than 30 June 2020 if changes occur to current travel restrictions and/or social distancing requirements.
- Grant retrospective approval to close the Shire’s Gingin Administration Centre and Lancelin Office to the public for an initial period of three months whilst maintaining services to the community via alternative means.
- Remove foliage and construct a roof over the front entry to the Gingin Administration Centre at an estimated cost of $6,000.
- Hood the parking meters at the Guilderton foreshore car park and remove the requirement for payment of parking fees, recognising that this will result in an estimated loss (under normal conditions) of $52,000 if hooded until December 2020.
- Require the Chief Executive Officer to present a further report to Council at its Ordinary meeting on 21 July 2020 meeting, providing an update on the arrangements made to address Covid-19 implications, including any proposed extension or lifting of Parts 4, 5, and 7 above.
These measures should alleviate some of the pressure being faced by Rate Payers in these uncertain times. Council and staff will continue to service the community to the best of our abilities and we will endeavour to continue to look for other ways in which we can help our community.
Queries relating to the above can be directed to the Shire on (08) 9575 5100 during office hours. Whilst our front doors are now closed to the public, staff continue to function behind them (or from home) in order to continue the day to day running of the Shire’s essential services for the community.
*This article appeared in Issue 2 of the Shire's COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Community Newsletter. For more articles, please view this issue by clicking here.
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