City of Greater Bendigo Annual Budget 2014/2015

The graph below demonstrates the movement in operating revenue from 2013/2014 forecast to the
2014/2015 budget. ($0 equals no difference to the 2013/2014 forecast).
4.2.1 Rates and Charges ($6.90 million increase)
Rates and charges represent the Council's income from general rates, municipal charge, garbage and
recycling charges. The overall rates and charges income reflects an increase of 8.0% or $6.90 million
over the 2013/2014 forecast. Supplementary rates are expected to contribute $1.93 million to rate
revenue in 2014/2015. Section 9 'Rating Information' includes a more detailed analysis of the rates
and charges to be levied for 2014/2015.
4.2.2 Statutory Fees and Fines ($0.12 million increase)
Statutory fees and fines relate to fees and fines levied in accordance with legislation and include
animal registrations, parking fines, Health Act registrations and fines and various planning and building
fees. Increases in statutory fees are made in accordance with legislative requirements.
Statutory fees and fines are projected to increase by 3.7% or $123,000.
4.2.3 User Charges, Fees and Fines ($0.45 million decrease)
User charges relate to the recovery of service delivery costs through the charging of fees to users of
Council’s services. These services include use of leisure, entertainment and other community
facilities and the provision of human services such as home care and child care services. In setting
the budget, the key principle for determining the level of user charges has been to increase by CPI
where possible, taking into account the economic climate.
User charges, fees and fines are projected to decrease by 1.8% or $450,000 over the 2013/2014
forecast. The main areas contributing to the decrease are in relation to Swimming Pools of
$300,000, fees are now collected by the Contractor but as a result contract payments have reduced,
and reduction in revenue at The Capital of $130,000. Offsetting these decreases are the Bendigo
Art Gallery ticketed exhibitions which will increase in 2014/2015 resulting in a $192,000 increase in
income. There is increased income from Parking $207,000, Property Rental Income of $100,000,
and Landfill Fees $72,000.
The applicable fees and charges for 2014/2015 are available on Council’s web site and can also be
inspected at Council’s Customer Service Centres.
Greater Bendigo City Council Budget – 2014/2015 26