The Shire of Northam council has responded to a petition presented to a council meeting last month.
The petition signed by 141 residents within the Shire outlined community concerns including the recent rise in rates, the view that outlying towns have been financially neglected and inadequate roads.
At an ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, October 18 council voted to ‘acknowledge the significant increase in rates’, not support the claim that those outside the town of Northam were missing out and will not review the current rates.
In a statement the Shire of Northam president Chris Antonio said the general rate increase for the 2018/19 budget was 2.5 percent.
“This was one-percent less than the increase identified in the Councils long term financial plan, however Council felt that the current economic climate warranted this decision,” he said.
“The Council acknowledges that the change from UV to GRV has created some angst in the community, however, these changes were to address anomalies within the rating system.
“They were widely advertised to the community and at that point in time, Council received minimal negative feedback.
“This decision was first made by Council in 2010 and then approved for final implementation by Council in 2015.”
Councillor Chris Davidson who represents the west ward was the only councillor to vote against the recommendation from Shire staff.
Chief executive Jason Whiteaker said in the current annual budget there has been significant spend in outlying towns in the Shire.
Items include $340,000 for the Bakers Hill Fire Shed, $667,000 for Spencers Brook Road and $150,000 for Wundowie Swimming Pool.
As part of the recommendation council said they encouraged members of the community to register issues or work requests through the appropriate channel, being the Council customer request system (ICS).
A meeting has been organised for Wednesday, October 31 at El Caballo Resort from 6.30pm for residents to discuss how the Shire of Northam serves the community with councillors in attendance.