Update
KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna residents could fork out up to 9.5% more to cover tariff increases should the 2019/20 municipal budget be approved.
During a council meeting on 28 March council resolved to approve the draft budget and open it for public comment.
"The 2019/20 draft budget focuses on balancing municipal finances while managing risk and maintaining fiscal stability in a weak economic environment, while not diverting, but giving effect to our strategic objectives, the integrated development plan and the national development plan," said Knysna mayor Mark Willemse.
He added that the draft budget, in essence, sought a balance between the municipality's growth path, which is limited by resource constraints, and the lifting of these constraints by strengthening good governance, limiting growth in general expenditure and investing in infrastructure and local people.
'Promoting sustainable growth'
"Our focus in the next budget is on investing in upgrading, renewal and new infrastructure that are seen as an important means of promoting sustainable growth and reducing poverty, and our allocations reflect this purpose."
He said their focus is on economic infrastructure and it includes electricity transmission, wastewater treatment works, road building and maintenance, and water storage upgrade and network pipe replacement.
"We have realised the effect of poor infrastructure in the municipal area that has not supported a thriving economy, hence provision of economic infrastructure is the only necessary condition for economic growth in Greater Knysna."
The draft 2019/20 budget amounts to about R1 132 864-billion comprising
R208 625-million in capital expenditures and R924 239-million for operating expenses.
'Revenue sources under strain'
"Revenue sources remain under strain and in an attempt to balance service delivery with affordability; proposed tariff increases have been limited."
Residents can expect to see an increase of between 2.5% and 4.2% in property rates and a further 5.5% rise in water services tariffs. Sewerage charges will go up 4% per household while electricity services and refuse removal tariffs would increase by 9% and 9.5% respectively.
The public now has the opportunity to comment on the draft document, until 16:30 on Monday 20 May.
Submissions can be posted to the municipal manager at PO Box 21 Knysna or emailed to budget@knysna.gov.za.
The budget will be available for viewing at municipal offices and libraries as well as on the municipal website www.knysna.gov.za/information-centre/document-library/budget-and-related-documents/budget-2019-2020.
"We encourage open and transparent public participation. However, we will not be responding to budget queries via letters to the media. This is your opportunity to have your voice heard, make it count," Willemse said.
Read a previous article here: Municipal draft budget approved
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