Warrnambool and Mansfield councils applying to exceed rate cap for 2019–20

Two councils – Warrnambool City and Mansfield Shire – have submitted applications to exceed the 2.5 per cent rate cap for 2019–20 to the Essential Services Commission.

The commission will now assess the applications against the criteria set out in legislation including:

• the reasons why the council is seeking the higher cap
• how the views of ratepayers and the community have been considered in proposing the higher cap
• how the higher cap is an efficient use of council resources and represents value for money
• whether other funding options have been considered and why those options are not adequate
• that the assumptions and proposals in the application are consistent with the council’s long term strategy and financial management policies.

Interested ratepayers can see the applications on the commission’s website.

The commission expects to complete its assessment and make a ruling on the applications by the end of May.