Council eyes 6% fee rises
SOUTHERN Downs councillors next week will discuss a proposal to raise fees and charges by about 6%.
A report recommending the increase, which would affect water, sewerage and operational works fees, was presented to councillors during a meeting last week.
Cr Neil Meiklejohn said the inconsistencies in the report were "surprising", adding that there seemed to be a mixture of both 5% and 6% increases.
Others have increased significantly more than 6%, which the report stated was in cases where cost exceeded revenue.
Mayor Peter Blundell said approving the changes would have "lots of ramifications" and he would like to see the councillors take some time to thoroughly examine the figures.
Cr Blundell added that he would like to see the report identify the exact percentage increase each fee would endure.
It is understood the increase is to move into line with increased costs.
The matter has been adjourned to a later meeting.
