Despite lots of information about the rate rise, there are no options, ideas for increasing revenue, or organisational efficiencies provided by Byron Shire Council and no advice that business rates are below the state average including below Ballina and Lismore.
The cost of servicing a tourism economy appears to be a major factor. In 2019 Council identified a cost of $23m per year but provide no update. Without state approval for a tourism levy the only current method to allocate those costs is to review business rates, but Council hasn’t.
The 26/27 rates projection identifies the business rates contribution as $7.2m, which is 21 per cent of the total, with just under $3m from Byron Bay CBD.
Residential rates deliver $25.4m, which is 74 per cent.
Increasing the business contribution, wouldn’t raise additional funds but would reduce the impact on residents. If residential rates were 65 per cent that could deliver an average of $214 reduction per year, per residential property. Business rates would increase but that would bring them in line with other councils.
Council reports reveal there’s been an increase of 90 staff since before the 2017 rate rise, at approximately $6.5m per year. Council also doesn’t reveal expenditure on consultants.
Residents are being asked to support another rate rise but deserve a fair outcome and assurance that Council is operating efficiently.
Jan Barham, Broken Head
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