What chance do ratepayers have?

RATEPAYERS in the Berri Barmera Council area must be the most easy-going consumers in the state.

The council’s budgets are set and presented to ratepayers on what works and services will be provided for the year and ratepayer input is sought.

Rates are paid with an expectation the council’s annual business plan will be implemented.

Last financial year, Berri Barmera Council carried over nearly $1 million of projects. 

This year it will be over $1 million.

If a consumer paid a private company to complete a job and up to five years later it hadn’t been completed there would be repercussions. In council’s case there is almost silence.

There have been calls by South Australian parliament members and parties to scrutinise rates and clean-up poor behaviour in councils.

Perhaps a change to the Local Government Act that all unspent money be credited back to ratepayers at the end of the year and not carried forward would lower the rate increase and encourage more efficient councils?

Perhaps grant money could be withheld if all projects councils state they will complete aren’t completed in a timely fashion?

Federal and State Governments are throwing money at councils to stimulate the economy, but is it an illusion that it’s working? It is instead just a promotional exercise?

Meanwhile Berri Barmera Council is carrying over other ratepayer-funded projects with no decrease in rates.

I’m aware that not all carriedover projects are funded directly from rates but there is no pressure not to overbudget to warrant not having to budget.

Councils that constantly have difficulty in completing projects and trot out excuses of can’t get contractors, not enough staff or unforeseen infrastructure or circumstances perhaps need to set a smaller rate income and a project list that has a realistic chance of being completed.

Should ratepayers take the time to make a submission on Berri Barmera Council’s Annual Business Plan?

In my opinion, if a ratepayers’ suggestions, opinions or complaints don’t fit council’s mould, they are not welcomed. 

Spending time making a submission is wasted.

If State Parliament, which writes the act that regulate councils, can’t make a difference, what chance does a ratepayer have?

TREVOR CHAPPLE
Glossop