WE OPPOSE THE BEGA VALLEY SHIRE COUNCIL (BVSC) PROPOSED SPECIAL RATES VARIATION (SRV). WE REQUIRE FULL TRANSPARENCY ON COUNCIL’S FINANCIAL POSITION.

a) We oppose proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV), as outlined in your undated letter to rate payers, headed : "We are proposing an increase in general rates" - outlining options A, B, C and D. The community cannot afford it. We need a period of austerity, as businesses and households are currently finding it difficult to adjust to cost of living increases. In particular, we are still recuperating from the effect of the fires together with COVID business shut downs and job losses over the past three of years. In addition pensioners and retirees are grappling with these unexpected price rises.  Increased rates will mean many may have to sell their homes. This is unacceptable.

b) Finally, Council has not modelled the "No SRV" option. Accordingly, we require full transparency, together with a competent assessment of Council's financial position.

(SOURCE: https://begavalley.nsw.gov.au/community/special-rate-variation )

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