Central Coast Council budget delayed due to COVID-19 impacts
It was the extraordinary meeting for council to adopt it’s operational plan and budget before the end of the financial year. Now the budget has been deferred … here’s why.
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Central Coast Council’s operational plan and budget has been deferred until next month as the financial year comes to a close today.
The council held an extraordinary meeting to adopt its budget on Monday night, however extenuating circumstances surrounding COVID-19 impacts led to its deferral.
Back in April, the Local Government Minister gave council’s the go ahead to extend their budget adoption for one month until July 31 due to the COVID-19 emergency.
The council’s chief executive officer Gary Murphy acknowledged the meeting was originally scheduled for adoption of the operational plan, however said impacts of COVID-19 on the 2020/21 budget made it necessary for councillors to take more time before voting on the matter.
He said the council would continue to operate under their 2019/20 plan in the interim.
Mayor Lisa Matthews said the additional time gave councillors the opportunity to look at the 2020-21 budget with fresh eyes.
“Whilst the financial impacts are not yet fully understood for council, ratepayers, or business; what we do know is that the publicly exhibited 2020-21 budget is unlikely to be the budget that we will consider at the July meeting,” she said.
“It hasn’t been easy times with bushfires, floods, and the pandemic but the resilience of the Central Coast community has been astounding, and council will continue to play its part in stimulating the recovery of our region as restrictions continue to ease.”
Cr Jillian Hogan said things weren’t looking good in terms of revenue and councillors needed to sit down and look at the situation.
The Operation Plan will come back to council for adoption at the July 27 meeting.
Meanwhile, the council managed to adopt its fees and charges for the 2020/21 period, making no changes to last year’s fees at the request of community groups and sporting organisations.
Fees at the Gosford City Car Park will also remain the same, with council receiving many requests from locals not to vote on an increase.
Cr Kyle McGregor said the move was about keeping continuity for clubs and sporting groups across the region during these uncertain times.
“This is an example where we can work in the community's best interest,” he said.