Enough is enough

HOW well is the Cardinia Shire being managed? The draft budget proposes a 5.5 per cent rate increase for 2015-’16. If approved, that means the council would receive a whopping 17.2 per cent increase over a three-year period. Add to that the income derived from natural growth of new buildings, and the figure is approximately 25 per cent.
Does anybody care? Just which business or household can boast of income increases like that over the same period? We would suggest – not one.
How are ordinary householders expected to budget for increased rates, together with increases to all other goods, services and utilities, and maintain a decent quality of life?
As seniors, living in a retirement village, we are flabbergasted that the council continues to inflate our rates, citing new expenditure needs, yet NEVER producing a cost-cutting plan of their own.
Surely that is bad management. In a time of severe expenditure cuts by federal and state governments, our councillors approve the unjust increases to our rates/taxes, ignorant or uncaring of householder situations with very limited growth in their personal incomes.
Seniors especially are finding it difficult, relying on pensions or personal savings to survive.
We planned for our retirement and believed we could finally relax. But, after living in the shire for over 40 years, we have never seen so much over-confidence that draft budgets will be rubber stamped. We had hoped for a discount in our rates – and instead get a slap in the face.
Bad management – surely! Responsible councillors – surely not!
Kevin and Denise Burns,
Shanagolden Village.