The community is being asked to help Kempsey Shire Council oppose the NSW Government decision to subsidise the Emergency Services Levy.
In refusing to maintain the subsidy provided in past years, the government is placing an additional $369,000 cost on Council and ratepayers which could result in a rate increase and a reduction in services in coming years.
Mayor Leo Hauville says this decision will have a drastic impact on the financial sustainability of Kempsey Shire Council.
"I ask residents to join Councillors, Council staff and me in opposing this unfair and unsustainable blow to Council's budget," said Mayor Hauville.
"This is a time to stand up. Write and express your disappointment and concerns to the State Government. Ask for the reinstatement of the Emergency Services Levy subsidy, to ensure Council can continue to provide essential services and work towards becoming financially stable sooner".
The NSW Government's surprise decision to withdraw the subsidy came while Council's annual budget was already on public exhibition. As such the budget did not account for the financial impact of losing the subsidy.
As a result, Council's ability to provide essential community services and invest in necessary infrastructure has been significantly affected. This is despite planning for a 3.7% rate increase to support these initiatives in the face of increasing costs.
To cover the expense resulting from the subsidy withdrawal, Council may be forced to reduce or eliminate vital community services.
At the May Meeting, Councillors joined councils across NSW in resolving to continue opposing the increase in the Emergency Services Levy. They also pledged to seek support by contacting State Government Ministers and the Local Member.
"This opposition is to the last-minute reimposed levy and not to the crucial work of our amazing emergency service workers," said Mayor Hauville.
"This is a fight against an unsustainable levy when all councils face mounting service delivery struggles.
"Council recognises the importance of funding emergency services to ensure their availability during natural disasters and disaster mitigation. We support a well-funded emergency service sector but stress the need for a sustainable, and fair, funding model."
Residents are urged to write to State Government Ministers and their Local Member on this matter.
