A $39m BUDGET, including a rate rise of three per cent, was expected to be formally adopted by Alpine Shire Council last night.

The proposed 2025/26 annual budget recommended for adoption by councillors at their June monthly meeting last night projected an operating surplus of $2.12M and an underlying operating deficit of $1.22M, which has been influenced by:

• a rate increase of three per cent, in line with the Fair Go Rates System, which caps Victorian Council rate increases (announced by the Minister for Local Government in December 2024);

• inclusion of commercial/industrial properties in Dinner Plain in the differential rating policy for commercial/industrial properties;

• capital works expenditure totalling $9.56M;

• a materials and services budget of $15.76M which reflects the financial environment constrained by the rate cap; and

• a modest increase in employee remuneration as a result of the 2023 Enterprise Bargaining Agreement and final increment provided for under the Superannuation Guarantee.

Council’s total income is projected to be $39M, being a reduction from 2024/25 income of $47.47M, which is largely due to a reduction in approved grant funding.

Rates and charges are budgeted at $23,576,000.

Charges include annual waste and recycling, ranging from $381.51 for weekly 240 litre bin and $236.11 for weekly 360 litre recycling bin service.

Coverage from last night’s council meeting will be in next week’s edition.