Rates for the average Macedon Ranges property owner are likely to rise $50, according to the council’s draft budget.
The draft, which will be presented to councillors on Wednesday night, calls for an average increase of 2.5 per cent in 2016-17, taking the average bill to $2069.
But final bills could fluctuate as 2016 is a revaluation year.
If the budget is approved, rate rises will be the lowest in at least five years, with recent increases approaching 5 per cent.
Councillors have previously complained about the state government’s new rate-rise capping measures, which restrict increases to those of the consumer price index from this year.
The council’s proposed budget would bring in $43.59 million in rates and charges to fund $80.5 million in total expenditure, with the remainder to come from other funding sources.
Capital works spending is expected to reach $23.50 million, similar to recent budgets despite the reduced rates increase.
No new loans are proposed for 2016-17.
In a preface to the budget, mayor Graham Hackett said that in the fourth year of its current term, the council’s focus was on meeting its commitments.
‘‘We know we must balance the environmental, infrastructure and social needs with our income from rates, fees and grants,’’ he said.
‘‘I think our draft budget is an affordable response to those needs.’’
Cr Hackett encouraged ratepayers to take part in the consultation process, with submissions to be heard at a special meeting on Wednesday, June 1, ahead of the budget’s official adoption on June 22.
