The proposed rate rises over the next 2-3 years (104.49%) will see an overall rise of 149% due to cumulative rises over 10 years.

 

Although this is the effect of the rate rise, Council has consistently tried to show the rises as modest without transparently disclosing that the rises are cumulative and therefore the previous increase rises again.

 

Fees and charges are also set to increase IMMEDIATELY although we understand that there have been assurances in the past that this would not happen.

 

In 2019, TSC spent $2.47M on Governance & Administration.

By 2020, this was $5.5M – a rise of over $3.0M or 122% in 1 year!

 

Note the extra $$$$ TSC aim to get from you won’t be used to increase services

 

This is more that they spent on community services.

 

The other issue is the unacceptable level of indebtedness that the Council has undertaken just to make ends meet.  It is possible to decrease indebtedness in more ways than by raising rates, however Council appears unable to make the creative leap.  

 

The Community Strategic Plan, which requires Community consultation, was rushed, and held during difficult time periods.  Although submissions have since been made about oversights within the plan, Council is not interested in listening to ratepayers’ ideas.   Further, the CEO, Mr. Darryl Buckingham, has described the Community Strategic Plan as “not of importance” and “only fluff”.

 

There appears to be a significant pool of talent within the community, well-schooled in just these types of strategies, who are interested and willing to assist Council out of this grave situation.  Sadly, Council has not only shown no interest but ignored submissions and actually been dismissive of the attempts.  

 

It has been disclosed to OSOCI that assets such as the Information Centre, Airfield, Community Childcare building are being considered for sale to raise funds as well as terminating the lease of the School of Arts.