Yarra City Council estimates that the imposition of the state government's Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) will raise an additional $14.6 million from Yarra City Council ratepayers in the 2025-26 financial year.
The figures were tabled at the August meeting where Council reaffirmed its opposition to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund at its August meeting.
Yarra City Council Mayor, Cr Stephen Jolly said that ratepayers were already getting hit by the increase.
"Personally, having just paid my own rates, I know more than one dollar in every five now bypasses Council and goes straight to the State Government," he said.
Cr Jolly added that local business in particular would feel the impact of the ESVF.
"Council figures show that of the extra $14.6 million coming out of Yarra, nearly $8.9 million will be coming from local businesses.
"Now a lot of businesses don't own their properties, so they won't see the impact on a rates notice, although there is little doubt they will feel it when it's invariably passed on by way of increased rents."
Cr Jolly says what makes it more frustrating is that initiatives to support local business, such as the recent trial of one-hour free parking on our main streets in Richmond, have been nullified by the imposition of the levy.
"But as bad as it is for those of us living in the city, it is even worse for those living in country Victoria," said Cr Jolly.
"And that is why, alongside many, many other Local Councils, we will continue to push back against it on your behalf."
