With the new financial year rapidly approaching the council is considering its budget and the draft proposals will soon be in the public domain for comment before decisions are made.

Not surprisingly to many people the draft proposals were unveiled this week against the backdrop of accusations that Greater Lithgow already has some of the highest water charges of any council area in NSW.

Nothing new in that but it will no doubt be an issue that gets a solid airing during the input stage.

The rates and charges that provide income for council to run the LGA are based on what is eventually adopted in the budget.

The general rate is limited by rate pegging of 2.4 per cent imposed by the government as a buffer against extremes.

Anything else is considered fair game for the civic leaders with elected councillors having to decide on the recommendations by their officers.

Corporate and Community Group Manager Juki-Ann Brozek said the draft operational plan for 2015-16 and the combined four year delivery program is intended to provide a solid financial framework to ensure infrastructure and council services can be provided to meet the requirements of ratepayers and residents ‘as far is practicably possible’.

Influencing the draft plan is an expectation that wages (for council staff) will increase by 2.7 per cent in the period and material costs by 2.95 per cent.

In the draft plan:

- GENERAL rates are pegged at a 2.4 per cent increase.

- WASTE charges (garbage collection) for both residential and business premises would increase by $14.05 per annum from the present $400.55.

- STORMWATER charges for residential premises remain at $25 and for business at $25 per 350 square metres.

- SEWERAGE access charge (government guidelines) $877 residential.

- WATER connection: $160.

- WATER usage: Up to 250 kl $3.11; over 250 kl $4.67 (residential). Business flat rate $3.11 per kl.

(Due to space constraints fees for council facilities will appear in the Mercury next week.)

Council is organising briefing sessions for the community (and an opportunity to question the proposals) at locations across the LGA.

The next will be on Wednesday at 6pm in the Glen Alice Community Hall, followed by Wallerawang Bowling Club Tuesday May 5 at 6.30 and Old Hartley School at 6.30 on Wednesday May 6.

Council officers will also be available by appointment to discuss the draft plan.