General News
23 June, 2024
Council fails to meet its budget deadline
Horsham Rural City Council will not be able to meet the June 30 deadline for its annual budget.
In a statement released on June 19, CEO Sunil Bhalla said council required more time, blaming the delay on "a new finance management system".
Council will now request an extension from Local Government Minister Mellissa Horne for the submission of its 2024-2025 Budget.
Councils are usually required to adopt their budgets by June 30 and to submit an annual report by September 30 each year.
However, Mr Bhalla said HRCC would require extra time.
The council statement said a new finance management system - part of the Regional Councils Corporate Collaboration Project - was behind the delay.
However, while it said the new system would will deliver greater administrative efficiencies for HRCC, "small problems" had emerged in the first year of its implementation.
Mr Bhalla said escalating costs also were impacting on HRCC.
“Nonetheless, we are dedicated to formulating a budget for 2024-2025 that is truly fit for the purpose of serving our community,” he said.
“To achieve this, we believe it is crucial to provide our councillors with ample time to fully consider the budget prior to its final adoption.”
While this process is being worked through, council operations will continue as usual.
Council said the community could be reassured that "bins will still be collected, maternal and child health appointments will still take place, lost pets will still be rescued and depot crews will still be out and about undertaking their works programs".
Likewise, it said, projects and budget initiatives currently being undertaken by council staff would not be impacted by this process, and council’s day-to-day operational activities would not change.
Council will request that its 2024-2025 Budget is tabled at the July 22 council meeting.