A decision by the State Government to delay the implementation of the increased State Emergency Services levy is not a great outcome for Lithgow City Council, one of its councillors has warned.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lithgow protested an increase of more than $100,000 in the levy at its June meeting.
The council had budgeted for a 2.5 per cent increase, only to see an increase of 21 per cent.
Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro announced on August 13 that the levy, which amounted to a total of $13.6 million, would not be demanded of councils this year.
The increased levy is to meet the cost of new workers' compensation for firefighters.
"The NSW Government acknowledges that this additional cost presented challenges for councils, particularly those in regional and rural areas badly affected by the drought," Mr Barilaro said.
However, Lithgow City Councillor Stephen Lesslie said the "NSW Government's backflip" was not good news.
"The $108,000 increase which was hidden from the council and the public until after the State election, has merely been deferred for one year. It will be reimposed next year," he said in a letter to the Lithgow Mercury.
"It is worth noting that this financial year Lithgow Council ratepayers will still be required to pay over half a million dollars to the State Government for services that fall squarely within the responsibilities of the State Government."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Lithgow Mercury. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.
