Ο City of Melbourne will increase the municipal fees by 1.75% as it is projected to record a fiscal deficit for the 3rd consecutive year.
In 2020 the City Council «froze» the fees and last year a «rebate» of 1.5% was given in the midst of the pandemic.
The cost of childcare also increases from $134 a day to $137.5.
Specifically, according to the budget, spending for 2022-2023 will amount to $837 million and the deficit will be $11.3 million, down, however, from $57.4 million in 2020 and $26.9 million last year. A surplus is expected in 2023-2024.
Among other things, $33.6 million will be allocated for graffiti clean-up/removal, $26.5 million for parks and gardens, $17.5 million for new open spaces, especially in Southbank, the most densely populated suburb in the City.
The deficit, the budget says, is mainly due to slower growth, due to COVID-19 and especially Omicron, but also due to the new prolonged lockdown in 2021-2022.
Revenue is projected to increase by $46.6 million over last year (primarily related to parking - fines and tickets) as greater than expected mobility was recorded in the CBD.
Expenditures will also increase by $36.7 million (+7.2%), mainly due to an increase in employees from 1,382 to 1,480).
The mayor, Sally Capp, pointed out that the budget aims for a cleaner Melbourne, with more events and ultimately a return of the public.
«This is a landmark budget that restores confidence in the city and continues to invest in Melbourne's positive circumstances,» he said.
«We are investing to grow our economy beyond pre-pandemic levels and create more jobs, events, services for our residents, business people and visitors.».
The City's finance officer, Philip Le Liu, said the budget puts the City of Melbourne in a «strong position» for a surplus in 2023-2024.
«Years of disciplined financial management have made it possible to increase investment and support our community as the pandemic hit the city and put it off track in two difficult years,» he noted.
