Maroondah Council

To the Editor

    Maroondah Council would have us believe that it is an efficient and accountable organization. However a study of council budgets and annual reports would suggest otherwise.

    Since the 1998/99 Maroondah Council budget, rates have increased from $22,756,477. to $44,121,399, an increase of 59%. Garbage charges have risen from $3,195,829 to $8,090,000. Employee costs have risen from $15,011,000 to $29,276,000. Over the same period the council’s investments have risen from $7,685,000. to $24,538,000. The budgeted total income for the 2006/2007 financial year is $73,499,000.

    However the council continually claims it does not have money to maintain footpaths, roads, and sports fields and facilities. The council has unnecessarily borrowed money to pay for the superannuation shortfall and will borrow $7.5 million for the Croydon Leisure Centre. It would appear that the Maroondah Council is more interested in increasing investments rather than using its revenue for the benefit of ratepayers and residents.

Carol Hunter

54 Maidstone Street,

Ringwood. 3134

RATEPAYERS VICTORIA, Inc. A0040924M - PO BOX 1057 Huntingdale, Victoria 3166