The article referred to by our most experienced councillor disturbed me at the time of printing, and I was disappointed with the subsequent comments by ERC.
Adequate data and information are the key components when called upon to make strategical financial decisions.
And when questioned, to be continually told that discrepancies are operational and not the business of councillors is frustrating.
If the council is called on to endorse budgets and estimates, then we need to see the projection sheet on how we arrive at these figures.
I have worked as a bookkeeper all my life and I am left wanting for further information that has not been forthcoming.
The budget passed by a vote of 5 to 4, hardly unanimous but rather a win for uncertainty and perhaps born of a fear of bucking the system.
I have bucked and will continue to argue against a system that does not give me full disclosure whilst expecting me to make vital decisions.
If a Special Rate Variation is the only solution, this concerns me as I would be subjecting ratepayers to further hardship and pain, simply because of overspending and inadequate projections.
I cite the SRV as an example. I have no idea what its cost is at this stage and have repeatedly asked for this information, only to be told that it is “one of number of options that we are looking at, at this stage”.
The issue raised by the PT was directed specifically at a structural deficit caused by a budgeted increase in the ERC’s fixed operating costs. This is of this council’s doing.
At this stage the only tangible income option proposed is an SRV.
In effect we are creating the environment that will necessitate an SRV.
This council inherited a very strong balance sheet courtesy of previous council, it is our responsibility to use it wisely, not irreparably damage it.
If there is a lack of updated information and appropriate disclosure, then councillors will continue to make ill-informed and controversial decisions that will have negative consequences for the ERC ratepayers.
I will not remain silent on a system where I am supposed to accept recommendations when all of these recommendations have been prepared and presented to council by highly paid consultants, who may be well qualified but have no or limited understanding or involvement with our community.
I have expressed my dissent regarding these matters to the appropriate authorities and to date have had no satisfactory response.
It is our burden and we the ratepayer foot the bill.
I am concerned about the decision making process and the transparent provision of information.
As councillors, when we question or ask for information we are constantly reminded that many of our concerns are “operational”, this is not an environment that is conducive for well-argued and transparent decision making.
Yours etc.
Shirlee Burge
Deniliquin
15°C