The shire's budget for the 2021-22 year was officially adopted at council's June meeting.
Mayor Chrissy Weller said council had approached the budget with a "business as usual" approach following a year of challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am delighted that, despite the extraordinary challenges of the last 18 months and the continued challenges of delivering services within ever-changing COVID restrictions, we have developed a budget that maintains service levels, delivers a comprehensive works program and continues progress towards long-term financial sustainability,” she said.
Council's capital program will also include spending of $2.2 million on land improvements, $2.74 million on public buildings and close to $3 million to be spent on footpaths and cycleways.
Three changes were made to the initial budget that was presented for community consultation, with $784,428 for redevelopment of the Rushworth Customer Service Centre and Library, and for upgrades to the museum displays at the Port of Echuca included in the final document.
This followed a total of five submissions being made to council.
“Of the five submissions, three were in support of a capital project, and two were seeking additional funds for two separate capital projects,” Cr Weller said.
“Council resolved to review the requests for additional funds for the capital projects at a budget review later in the year.
“Following consideration of public submissions along with internal reviews, the budget was adopted with minor amendments.”
Council also adopted its first-ever revenue and rating plan, which will be in place for the four-year term of the current council.
However, the passing of the budget was not a simple motion, with two dissenting votes to the motion.
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