An independent Cessnock Councillor believes the answer to rising costs is for Council to reduce its scope, instead of passing on a rate rise.
A review, led by Professor Joseph Drew, found rates hadn’t kept pace with standard inflation, and Council can’t meet its existing service delivery without an increase.
Councillors will meet tonight to consider applying to the independent regulator for an increase.
Councillor Quintin King says Council should be doing less.
“I still believe that there’s more that Council can do ourselves first before we put our hand out to the ratepayers,” he said.
“Every household in our community has to make sacrifices and sometimes go without things to be able to live within their means, which is what I think Council should do.
“As an example, we’re building a lot of new footpaths, which is great in some areas, but I don’t think it’s always necessary,” he said.
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| Council Chambers. Credit: Cessnock Council |
