Unley budget passes with no rate rise for 2020/21
Unley ratepayers will not have to stump up extra money this year after the council agreed to no rate rise. Find out what else happened this week in our Unley Council wrap.
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Unley Council has passed its budget and long-term financial plan.
The council has committed to no rate increase this financial year but will still post a $1.32 million surplus.
It includes $2.7 million of new capital spending and $7.59 million of renewal works.
The council does not plan to borrow any money this year.
UNREGISTERED DOGS
A review of Unley’s animal management plan has revealed that nearly a quarter of dogs are unregistered.
According to a staff report, 24 per cent of dogs in the district are not registered.
Under the plan, the council aimed to lower that number to 20 per cent.
Only 18 per cent of dogs are trained, compared to the council’s target of 20 per cent.
Unley is now preparing a new animal management plan for the next five years.
HERITAGE RENOVATIONS
Nearly $50,000 has been handed to heritage homeowners to pay for upgrades and maintenance.
The council has awarded the money through its conservation grants program.
Many of the successful projects are facade restorations in Millswood.
Under the grant scheme, Unley Council is able to allocate up to $50,000 a year for heritage upgrades across the district.
CENTENNIAL PARK CHANGES
The Centennial Park Cemetery Authority has updated its charter.
Under new rules, independent members of the board will be appointed by a committee rather than the chief executives and mayors of the owner councils – Unley and Mitcham.
Both councils have their own representatives on the board.
ECONOMIC STRATEGY GROUP
Councillors have formed an Economic Development Growth Strategy Working Group.
The committee will help put together a growth strategy that will eventually be put to the council.
It will identify what the council can do to support and foster businesses in the Unley District.
DON’T BE LATE
Unley has capped its meetings at 10pm over concerns councillors might not be able to make sound decisions late at night.
Cr Peter Hughes proposed the cut-off time, which can be extended in 30-minute blocks until 11pm.
Any business that is left to be discussed will be pushed to a special meeting.
Cr Hughes told the council he was concerned about the ability of councillors to make sensible decisions so late.