Budget for the times

By Jade Lawton
CASEY’S 2009-2010 $198 million draft budget has been tailored to the times, with almost a quarter of the cash going towards infrastructure projects.
The budget includes $44 million for infrastructure and $154 million for service delivery, including depreciation, and a 3.5 per cent efficiency saving, with plans for more effective use of resources.
Casey ratepayers face a rate rise of 4.7 per cent, lower than the five per cent increase in the City of Greater Dandenong and the 5.8 per cent copped by Cardinia Shire ratepayers.
Deputy Mayor Daniel Mulino said he was proud of the budget.
“This is a budget for the times. We have maintained service delivery and been as responsible as possible – I am very proud of the City of Casey, we will continue our services in a financially responsible manner,” he said.
Mayor Geoff Ablett said the proposed rate increase meant Casey ratepayers would continue to pay on of the lowest rates of Melbourne’s 31 municipalities.
Funding will also be allocated to Casey’s chambers of commerce and a business mentoring program.
Council is also working on a new councillor code of conduct, which will be finalised by the end of 2009. Cr Mulino said each new council revised the code.
The draft budget will be on public exhibition until 18 June, with copies available at City of Casey Customer Service Centres in Narre Warren, Narre Warren South and Cranbourne.
Written submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, City of Casey, PO Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805.