City of Bunbury ratepayers could see residential property rates increase by about $191 next financial year

Ratepayers across the City of Bunbury could be hit with a massive increase in their property rates, which could see them cough up nearly $200 extra in the next financial year. According to preliminary documents for an ordinary meeting later in June, councillors will decide whether to endorse the significant 8.6 per cent rates yield hike, which would see the average homeowner’s charges increase by an average of about $191. It comes after Bunbury joined every other local government in WA in freezing rate rises in 2020-21 because of COVID-19, then adopted a modest 2.5 per cent rise this past financial year. But an executive recommendation for councillors is to prepare the City of Bunbury’s 2022-23 budget based on an 8.6 per cent yield increase to provide a surplus of $15,000. Council documents state the hike would be needed to fund all services, facilities and projects included in the draft budget and long-term financial plan. “Rate yield increases of less than 8.6 per cent have also been considered, however anything less than 8.6 per cent results in a funding gap (budget deficit) in all years of the LTFP,” it states. “The 8.6 per cent increase is based on consumer price index of 7.6 per cent ... plus an allocation of one per cent to be set aside in specific reserves; 0.5 per cent for asset management and renewal, and 0.5 per cent for new major developments.” Bunbury City Mayor Jaysen Miguel said although the increase was high, it came on the back of two years of relief for ratepayers. “It probably comes as no surprise given the council was able to freeze rates for the 2020-21 Budget, followed by just a 2.5 per cent increase in 2021-22, in response to the impact COVID-19 was having on our community,” he said. “It is the council’s job to take into consideration a number of elements when considering its annual budget, including what we think our community can afford and what the City needs to provide.” The matter is due to be discussed at an agenda briefing for councillors next Tuesday, before councillors officially make their decision on June 21. The 2022-23 budget would then be presented to the council in full on July 26.