By BEN CAMERON
Cardinia Shire Council’s finances are in good shape despite employee benefits increasing by more than $240,000 in the past financial year.
Releasing the council’s Standard, Financial and Performance Statements annual report for 2013-2014 on Monday night, Central Ward councillor George Blenkhorn said the budget was healthy despite several items “that vary quite significantly and make the budget not look quite as healthy as it actually is”.
He said the Victorian Auditor General had no issues with the council’s books.
“This is the second year in a row this has happened,” he said.
“Before that it was a long, long while before any issues had not to be dealt with.
“This council is very solvent.”
Cr Blenkhorn said an increase in WorkCover premiums had added to employee benefits being $241,000 “over the budgeted figure”.
“A thing that ratepayers might think is quite significant are the employment figures,” he said.
“There was an increase of WorkCover premiums of $199,000.
“The majority of the items listed are generally in line with the budget.”
Wages and salaries increased from $23.5m in 2012-2013 to $25.5 in 2013-2014 and overall employee costs increased from $27.2m to $30.1m in the same periods.
Central Ward Cr Kate Lempriere said the council was on track.
“For the second year in a row we’ve come through with a really clean bill of health,” she said.
“It’s confidence building.
“So many people are very critical of our debt levels… but I am very confident this council is absolutely performing to its best ability.”
There was an increase of more than $250,000 in wages for the council’s senior staff in the past year compared to the previous year, rising from $3.68m to $3.93m.
Staff numbers increased from 24 to 26.
