Northam’s rates rise

The proposed differential rates were endorsed by the council at a budget workshop on August 5 and advertised for public comment. No submissions were received and the council passed the 2013-14 budget at its August 26 special council meeting.

Shire President Steven Pollard said the Consumer Price Index and Local Government Index both played a part in the rate increase.

‘Also, councillors and administration workers got pay raises this year. It will certainly affect people but we like to think we are improving things in the shire every year,’ he said.

There has been an 8.7 per cent decrease this year in the level of unimproved values affecting rural land in the shire.

The 2012-13 budgeted end-of-year surplus is estimated at $8.6 million. This amount includes significant unspent grant funds of $7.9 million. The 2013-14 surplus is expected to be $8.7 million.