IPART agrees to Federation Council special rate variation application for 2021-22

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal on Monday approved the council's variation bid to increase general income by more than the rate peg amount of two per cent from July 1.

Council applied for an increase of eight per cent, inclusive of the annual rate peg, to be retained permanently in its rate base, translating to an increase to average residential rates of $1.26 per week to go towards the operating costs of the Corowa swim centre made up of an outdoor 50 metre pool and indoor 25 metre pool.

Federation remains in the lowest 20 per cent in the state for average residential despite the increase.

"Councillors ultimately agreed that in order for our council area to improve its livability for residents, grow our destination identity and ensure our assets, such as pools are maintained in-line with our community's expectations, it was necessary to apply for a special rate variation," mayor Pat Bourke said.

The rate variation increase will be applied to the total general rate income collected by council for 2021-22 with final distribution to individual properties being determined following completion of the rates harmonisation initiative.

IN OTHER NEWS

Meanwhile, Federation Council will re-visit the management contract for the Ball Park caravan park in Corowa on Tuesday.

It was revealed this month the council was forced back to the drawing board on the search for a park operator.

A deal with Remlap couldn't be executed after negotiations between it and council on the conforming tender weren't successful.

The contract was due to commence on March 1.

Councillors agreed to allow general manager Adrian Butler to negotiate with Remlap and other interested parties Elite Park Management and Sonia and Peter Baldwin.

Subsequently, Elite Park Management and Remlap Pty submitted tendor responses by the deadline.

Council is managing the park presently.

Also being considered today is land acquisition in Almond Lane to help future proof the Corowa saleyards which council operates.

The land has been earmarked for the management of treated effluent presently being generated from wash down of the yards and the truck wash.

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