It comes after some councillors raised concerns about the budget projections when the draft operational plan and budget was tabled last month.
While the consolidated budget includes revenue of $38.42 million and expenses of $34.84 million, resulting in an operating surplus of $3.58 million, the documents do highlight that if exclude capital grants the outcome is a $1.5 million deficit.
Its release also coincides with a Federal Government inquiry into the financial sustainability of local government, as part of which Murray River Council has provided a submission which insists the financing model for local government is “broken”.
MRC has specifically listed cost shifting to local government from higher levels of government, resulting in an over reliance on grants to provide services, as primary concerns.
Twenty people attended Monday’s roadshow meeting at the Deniliquin Town Hall, which council said was an opportunity to “emphasise the prudent financial management strategies employed by council”.
In addressing questions on financial stability, ERC interim CEO Gary Arnold reinforced council’s robust financial position and underscored its commitment to bolstering long-term sustainability.
“The draft operational plan and budget represent our dedication to delivering essential services and fostering community development,” Mr Arnold said.
“But we are also still refining the budget to bring it into balance and reduce spending on items such as fuel and vehicles.
“While work is ongoing, we have so far found savings of $1.25 million.”
Despite fiscal challenges, ERC's budget is forecasting an operating surplus, demonstrating prudent financial management and strategic allocation of resources.
The council is committed to delivering essential services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
"We acknowledge the concerns raised by Murray River Council to the Federal Government’s inquiry, and we are committed to addressing similar challenges within our area,“ Mr Arnold said.
“We are planning for an operating surplus but, like all small rural councils, we are still reliant on capital grant funding to be able to maintain our assets like roads, water and sewer.
“Our focus remains on delivering tangible benefits to our community while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. And we believe we are on track to achieve just that."
Edward River Council commissioned a review into its financial sustainability in early 2023.
It adopted the report with nine strategies to implement over the medium to long term, aimed at shoring up council’s ability to support growth and renew asset infrastructure for the community.
A number of those actions have been included in the draft 24-25 operational plan for implementation.
Other key highlights of the plan include:
• Completion of remaining flood repair works.
• Enhancements to ensure a safe and reliable water supply.
• Implementation of a three-bin waste collection service, integrating recycling and FOGO (food organics, garden organics) management under a regional contract.
• Facilitation of the September local government elections, including support for potential candidates and an induction program for the incoming council members.
Residents are invited to provide feedback on the plan and budget, which is open for comment until May 20.
The documents can be viewed on council’s website, or in hard copy at council’s customer service centre or Edward River Library.
Community roadshow meetings will also continue next week, as follows:
• Booroorban Hall - Monday, 5pm to 6pm.
• Conargo Hall - Tuesday, 5pm to 6pm.
• Blighty Hall - Wednesday, 5pm to 6pm.
• Deniliquin Town Hall - Thursday, 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
Residents can submit their feedback via email to haveyoursay@edwardriver.nsw.gov.au, in person at the customer service centre, or in writing addressed to the interim CEO and sent to PO Box 270, Deniliquin.
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