I have been supporting Byron Shire Council’s (BSC) questionable spending behaviours for over 15 years now.
During this time I can honestly say that not one single dollar out of said contribution has come back my way in any form.
Every Council service I use in my daily life I pay for on top of my rates, exactly like any non-resident or non-ratepayer would. In fact, in my quarterly rates I even pay for services BSC has never provided!
Up until now I have accepted this rather unfair vexation as some sort of charity I contribute to four times a year (minus the tax benefits mind you), but now I feel the time has come to say enough is enough.
Housing affordability is already at breaking point in our Shire, and the harsh reality is that the rate hike will be passed onto tenants, which will see their weekly rent go up 35 per cent in the next three years. Not because of the landlords, but because of Byron Shire Council’s proposed rate increase.
So, my suggestion to BSC is simple: manage our finances better and stop milking ratepayers out of every dollar just because that’s the easiest option.
When times are tough households cut on unnecessary spending, and our Council should lead by example and do the same.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
