Bass Coast Shire Council owed $43m in rates from homeowners

Bass Coast Shire has revealed the extent of the global pandemic on its operations with the council being owed a massive $43 million in rates.

Bass Coast Shire Council have revealed the extent of the global pandemic on it’s operations. Picture: Brooke Grebert-Craig

More than $4 million is set to take a hit from Bass Coast Shire Council’s bottom line this year as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

And homeowners are also battling, with the council owed $43 million in rates.

The council has revealed the extent of the global pandemic on its operations, including a projected $20 million debt by June 2021.

Chief executive Ali Wastie said the council had undergone a “rigorous” streamlining process of its 2020-21 budget in a bid to minimise the financial impact of the global health crisis, which identified savings of more than $1 million.

Ms Wastie said the savings helped fund a COVID-19 recovery package which saw some fees waived and provided rent relief.

The council also froze the salaries of senior officers, including the chief executive, for the 2019-2020 financial year.

Ms Wastie said the council was still owed $43,701,000 in unpaid rates up until December 31, 2020 with 32 homeowners granted rates relief.

“We received 36 deferral applications, with 32 being approved and other applicants offered a payment plan,” she said.

Ms Wastie did not rule out a rates hike next financial year but confirmed the council would not seek an exemption from the 1.5 per cent cap.

The pandemic also impacted the $28 million Capital Works Program where some projects were delayed.

Although no services were cut or reduced, some facilities were closed including Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, libraries, recreational and leisure centres were closed last year.

A Bass Coast Shire spokesperson said a range of initiatives are being planned for 2021 including construction on the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre, social housing, public transport, and climate change.

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