Wagga council 2019/20 budget aims for major works while breaking even

Combined with significant grants from the state government, the council plans to start work on major projects like the Active Travel Plan with a network of cycle routes, Stage 2 of the Riverside Project at Wagga Beach precinct and Pomingalarna Multisport Cycling Complex.

Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said it was "going to be another exciting 12 months" in the city.

"We are in the midst of a transformational period that will define the future of our city and surrounding villages for many years to come," he said.

"A substantial part of this is planning for future infrastructure and accommodating the significant amount of state and federal government investment in our city.

"Wagga has always been a great place to live, visit and invest and we are set for a positive and exciting future."

Councillors adopted the Combined Delivery Program and Operational Plan and fees and charges for 2019/20, along with the Long Term Financial Plan 2020/29 during Monday's meeting.

After accounting for external grants and depreciation, the budget listed a surplus or deficit of zero dollars, but has forecast deficits between $420,000 and $960,000 over the next few years.

A report to councillors stated that "future projected deficits highlight the significant issues that Council is facing due to the unfavorable adjustments to revenue sources in previous financial years".

Under rates pegging limits set by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, the council forecast to bring in $43.2 million total revenue from ordinary rates.

The Special Rate Variation for the flood levee will bring in an additional $1.6 million.

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In a submission on the draft budget, the Committee 4 Wagga think tank asked if fees and charges increases - ranging from 3 to 5 per cent - could be bench-marked against "similar councils to demonstrate market competitiveness" and gains from efficiency programs,

Committee 4 Wagga also requested more information on how the budget could be used to meet the the state government's goal of increasing Wagga's population to 100,000 people by the year 2038.

The council's response to those questions was that fees and charges competitiveness was part of the budget review process and it was developing a 'local strategic planning statement' on population growth'.

Spending by the council on employee benefits and on-costs will reach $46 million after increasing by nearly $2 million compared to the current financial year.

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