The Alexandrina Council has cut down their proposed rate rise via a Special Council Meeting on Monday night, following concerns from the public about the cost-of-living crisis.
The Annual Business Plan and Budget will now propose a 7.9% increase, as opposed to 8.3%, after the Council members chose to delay or remove a wide range of projects to cut costs.
The new rate rise will add $181 to the average home within the Council.
Projects include public amenity upgrades in Strathalbyn and Middleton, pathway updates on Excelsior Parade and the Encounter Bikeway, and revised concept plans for Sugars Beach on Hindmarsh Island.
The forecast deficit is also in a better position, with losses to be now kept at $4.1m for the upcoming financial year.
Mayor Keith Parkes said that this Budget was the most challenging of his time with the Council, however says they’re on track to get back into surplus.
“This is a tough budget, but Council is committed to a long-term strategy for financial sustainability,” Mayor Parkes said.
“We appreciate that many in our community are being affected by cost rises across the board and if any ratepayer is experiencing financial hardship, we do encourage them to reach out to Council administration to access financial assistance measures.”
