Griffith City Council REPORT

CLAUSE CL01

TITLE Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year

FROM Max Turner, Director Business, Cultural and Financial Services

TRIM REF 19/105551

SUMMARY

In accordance with the Office of Local Government (OLG) Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines, Council has reviewed its Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 whilst preparing the Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 financial year. The Ten Year Long Term Financial Plan has also been updated as part of this process. These draft documents (attached) are presented for endorsement by Council. Following a 28 day public exhibition period which will include a community consultation process and community information session, the draft documents and any submissions received will be presented to Council for adoption.

RECOMMENDATION (a) Council endorse the draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 incorporating the Operational Plan (Budget) 2020/21 and updated draft Ten Year Long Term Financial Plan. Included in the draft budget are a number of ratepayer assistance initiatives as well as relief for businesses on rent arrangements and various other fees and charges as follows;

1. Waiving Regular Passenger Tax charges 2. Rent relief on commercial lease arrangements 3. Relief on fees and charges such as outdoor dining charges 4. Rate reduction rebate equal to 2.6% rate pegging 5. Rate deferral arrangements (by application), interest free either by full deferral or regular direct debit arrangements (see attachment that includes draft application form)

The initiatives have been forecast on a time line through until 31 October 2020 and as indicated in the Council Operational Budget area, the impact is forecast to be in the order of $500k in 2019/20 and a further $1.1M to $1.3M in 2020/21.

(b) Council place the draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 incorporating the Operational Plan (Budget) 2020/21 and draft Ten Year Long Term Financial Plan on public display for 28 days during which time a community consultation process will be implemented including community information session. (c) Following the public exhibition period, the draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 incorporating the Operational Plan (Budget) 2020/21 and draft Ten Year Long Term Financial Plan be presented to Council for adoption by 30 June 2020.

(d) That Griffith City Council continue its membership of Regional Cities NSW for the next three years (i.e. 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23) and that a review of membership be undertaken during 2022/23.

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CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year

REPORT

The Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework (IPR) has the objective of improving delivery of services to the community by Council. Under the IPR Guidelines every NSW council is required to prepare the following documents: - Community Strategic Plan - Delivery Program - Resourcing Strategy consisting of Long Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Plan and Workforce Management Plan - Operational Plan (Budget) (replaces the Management Plan)) - Annual Report - End of Term Report. Council's Community Strategic Plan was reviewed and was presented to Council for endorsement on 13 December 2016 and adopted at the Ordinary Meeting held 28 February 2017. The Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21, incorporating the Operational Plan (Budget), along with the Resourcing Strategy (consisting of Long Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Plans and Workforce Management Plan) were adopted by Council at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held 13 June 2017.

The IPR Guidelines state that Council must have an annual Operational Plan (Budget), adopted before the beginning of each financial year, outlining the activities to be undertaken that year, as part of the Delivery Program. The Operational Plan (Budget) must include Council's detailed annual budget, statement of revenue policy, estimated income and expenditure, ordinary rates and special rates, proposed fees and charges, Council's proposed pricing methodology and proposed borrowings.

Council must review its Delivery Program each year when preparing the Operational Plan (Budget). The Ten Year Long Term Financial Plan must also be updated at least annually as part of the development of the Operational Plan (Budget).

Minor amendments have been made to the Delivery Program as follows:

DP Action Current DP Action Amended DP Action Code

1.2.1 Assist our community and State Government DP Action deleted . to maximise positive outcomes from secondary education infrastructure investment in Griffith.

2.1.5 Work with Destination NSW, Destination Work with Destination Riverina Murray, Thrive Riverina and the NSW, Destination Kidman Way promotional committee. Riverina Murray, Thrive Riverina and the Kidman Way Committee whilst seeking opportunities with other tourism organisations.

2.4.2 Collaborate with food and wine industry to DP Action deleted. ensure Griffith becomes top of mind in the area of authentic wine and culinary

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experiences in Australia.

3.1.03 Ongoing monitoring of Customer Focus Ongoing monitoring of Review Outcomes Customer Focus

3.1.15 Land Use Strategy Development Prepare and Implement Strategic Planning Framework

3.2.2 Provide managers with timely data of their New DP Action added. current budget items.

4.1.1 Review Planning instruments to encourage DP Action deleted. (This development. is now covered in DP Action Codes 3.1.15, 3.1.16, 3.1.17 & 3.1.18).

4.2.11 Deliver Hairdresser, Beauty and Skin Deliver Beauty and Skin Penetration Inspections within Griffith and Penetration Inspections Narrandera LGA's as required by NSW within Griffith, Narrandera and Hay LGA's as Health. required by NSW Health. (Hairdressers as required)

4.1.3 Work with land and property developers to Implement the Griffith develop residential properties. Housing Strategy objectives where possible.

4.2.5 Deliver Food Business Inspections on food Deliver Food Inspections premises within the Griffith and surrounding on food premises within LGA's as required under the NSW Food Act the Griffith and surrounding LGA's as 2003. required under the NSW Food Act 2003.

4.6.7 Promote the benefits and social inclusion of DP Action deleted . volunteering.

6.2.1 Seek funding applications to run professional Partner, sponsor and development for local businesses. promote professional development for local businesses.

6.1.2 Liaise with agencies to develop resources Liaise with agencies to and programs to assist small business to develop resources and establish in the area. training programs to assist small business to establish in the area .

6.1.3 Work with new tourism related industries and DP Action deleted. build relationships.

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6.5.2 Update the Griffith Marketing Plan 2018- Implement Griffith 2021. Marketing Plan 2021-2024 in line with Destination Tourism Plan.

6.5.3 Establish the Citrus Sculptures as one of Grow major events and Australia's most unique events. festivals.

6.5.4 Increase Griffith's presence on TripAdvisor Increase Griffith's digital and Google. presence.

6.5.5 Increase conference market. Grow the conference and business event market.

6.5.7 Develop a new Visitor Guide 2019/21 and Develop a new Visitor Ambassador Program. Guide and Ambassador Program.

7.1.2 Attract new residents and skilled workers to New DP Action added. the region to fill job vacancies.

6.5.9 Work with new tourism related industries and New DP Action added. build relationships.

8.1.4 Design and construct reticulated sewerage Completed & deleted. network for villages of Lake Wyangan, Nericon and Tharbogang.

8.2.7 Develop opportunities for heavy vehicles to DP Action deleted . access Griffith City, in conjunction with the Heavy Vehicle Link Road system.

9.1.10 Regulate swimming pool barrier compliance. New DP Action added.

9.1.11 Fire Safety of Buildings. New DP Action added.

9.1.5 Deliver timely responses to general inquiries New DP Action added. and complaints from the public within the Griffith LGA.

9.4.2 Develop State of the Environment Report for New DP Action added. Griffith City Council.

9.5.2 Regulate and inspect Underground New DP Action added. Petroleum Storage Systems (UPSSs) (Priority Fuel Stations) within the Griffith LGA.

9.1.7 Deliver full reviews of Review of New DP Action added. Environmental Factor (REF) documentation required under Part 5 of the EP&A Act.

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9.1.9 Provide efficient building certification New DP Action added. services, including issuing construction certificates, complying development certificates and occupation certificates as per legislative requirements.

10.3.3 Maintain waste collection contract for Maintain waste collection domestic and recycling waste and maintain services for the Griffith commercial, street and park waste collection. LGA.

10.4.2 Investigate Biomass business opportunities DP Action deleted . for bio energy production and consumption (GCC & Regional). (Waste to Energy).

10.5.3 Increase Resilience to Climate Change New DP Action added. (IRCC) through implementation of actions to address identified climate change risks and vulnerabilities within the Griffith LGA.

9.3.1 Deliver a noxious weeds eradication and Deliver a Weeds of control program. National Significance eradication and control program.

At the Ordinary Meting of Council held 9 October 2018, the following was resolved:

CL03 Regional Cities NSW - Proposed Membership 18/322

RESOLVED on the motion of Councillors Dino Zappacosta and Christine Stead that:

(a) Note the information contained within this report to join RCNSW. (b) Join RCNSW with a formal review of Council’s membership to take place within the first 24 months of the formal commencement of RCNSW, to ensure it is meeting its stated objectives. (c) Note that whilst sixteen councils have been invited to join RCNSW, a minimum of nine councils will be needed to establish RCNSW. (d) Allocate $5,000 for membership of RCNSW from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019. (e) Note that any future requests for financial contributions over and above the annual membership fee to RCNSW will be reported to Council for further consideration.

Regional Cities NSW comprises 15 member councils, has a population of almost 1 million, generates $44 billion in gross regional product annually, 420,000 jobs and 75,000 active businesses. The first meeting of Regional Cities NSW was held 8 February 2019 and on 24 October 2019 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with the NSW Government (refer to attachments f-i). The document commits the NSW Government to working in cooperation with Regional Cities NSW to progress Government priorities as articulated in its 20 Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW. The MOU also commits to advancing key priorities included in each Regional City member's Community Strategic Plan.

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Some initial policy positions have been drafted and progressed with relevant NSW Government Ministers covering areas such as digital connectivity, freight and public transport (rail, roads, and airports) and special activation precincts. It is important that regional cities have the opportunity to engage as a group with the NSW Government regarding issues that are of particular relevance and importance to the larger regional services centres including Griffith.

This report includes a recommendation that Griffith City Council continues its membership of Regional Cities NSW for the next three years i.e. 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 and that a review of membership be undertaken during 2022/23. The proposed budget for each member of Regional Cities NSW in 2020/21 is $10,000 and the draft Operational Plan 2020/21 makes provision for Griffith City Council's continued membership.

Upon endorsement of the attached draft IPR documents, Council will place the draft documents on public exhibition for 28 days. A community consultation process will be implemented including a community information session. Following the public exhibition process the draft documents and any submissions received will be presented to Council for consideration and adoption by 30 June 2020.

COUNCIL OPERATIONAL BUDGET (as attached)

Council is forecasting a consolidated operating surplus of $2,639,863 (before Grants & Contributions provided for Capital Purposes) for the 2020/21year.

The forecast result is made up of the following performances by fund;

General/Waste Fund ($ 185,049) Deficit Water Fund $1,906,678 Surplus Sewer Fund $ 918,234 Surplus Total $2,639,863 Consolidated Surplus

The results provided above take into account some adjustments to revenues and expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes;

1. A one off reduction in Rates across all categories totalling $475K 2. Reduced revenues from various Council facilities totalling $432K

Point 2 includes revenue reductions in GRALC, Library, Visitors Centre, Theatre, Art Gallery, Pioneer Park and Airport landing charges.

A similar figure of $432K will impact the 2019/20 year financial results as well. Additional revenue losses will be incurred across a range of Council services such as Compliance, Development Assessment fees and charges, Health Services and so on.

The total forecast impact on revenue in the General Fund as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic inclusive of a 2.6% rebate in 2020/21 is in the order of $1.6M - $1.8M (the full effect for 2019/20 will not be known until annual financial statements are prepared).

For the 2020/21 operational budget, the General Fund (excluding Waste Fund) is forecast to be in deficit to the tune of ($1.5M) as a result of these reductions in revenue and this will directly impact a number of capital projects as follows;

1. Reducing the scope of Jubilee Oval Amenities from 6 change rooms back to 4, estimated saving $300K 2. Deferring for at least 1 year the construction of a new Rose Garden facility, estimated saving for 2020/21 $300k however this is a deferral only at this stage

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CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year

Council had Cash & Investments totalling $56.8M as at 30 June 2019. This figure is forecast to reduce to $54.8M at 30 June 2020 and $51.8M at 30 June 2021.

Councils Cash Reserves are generated through several different areas of operations and through different Funds. Council has 4 separate Funds in which operates as follows;

1. General Fund 2. Waste Fund 3. Water Fund, and 4. Sewer Fund

The revenue from each fund is only allowed to be expended within that fund and not used to cross subsidise another fund. Within each fund, revenue can be generated that is either externally restricted or available as free cash to internally restrict or use for working capital. Externally restricted funds can only be used for the purpose in which the funds were raised e.g. Developer Contributions can only be used in accordance with the Contributions Plan adopted for the purpose of raising that contribution from the developer (see attachment for full breakdown on reserves).

RESERVES BREAKDOWN ANALYSIS

As at 30 June 2019

Fund Externally Internally Unrestricted Total Cash & Restricted Restricted Cash Reserves Reserves Reserves

General $ 6,476,000 $ 7,807,000 $ 4,150,000 $ 18,433,000

Water $ 24,821,000 $ - $ - $ 24,821,000

Sewer $ 9,200,000 $ - $ - $ 9,200,000

Waste $ - $ 4,366,000 $ - $ 4,366,000

Total $ 40,497,000 $ 12,173,000 $ 4,150,000 $ 56,820,000

COUNCIL RATEPAYER & BUSINESS ASSISTANCE INITIATIVES Included in the draft budget are a number of ratepayer assistance initiatives as well as relief for businesses on rent arrangements and various other fees and charges as follows;

6. Waiving Regular Passenger Tax charges 7. Rent relief on commercial lease arrangements 8. Relief on fees and charges such as outdoor dining charges 9. Rate reduction rebate equal to 2.6% rate pegging 10. Rate deferral arrangements (by application), interest free either by full deferral or regular direct debit arrangements (see attachment that includes draft application form)

At this stage the shortfall in revenue will impact some capital expenditure projects and management staff will also look to manage as much as possible re-current expenditure and wages in particular leave entitlements and recruitment of vacant positions however if the impacts of COVID-19 go over a longer time frame or revenues are even more adversely Extraordinary Meeting of Council | 05 May 2020 7

CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year impacted then ongoing service levels will need to be reviewed and reported back to Council for consideration.

Staff have researched a number of Councils to see what forms of ratepayer assistance may have been implemented or considered as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. A list of Councils who have indicated this are as follows;

Council Date of Web link Council Meeting

Albury City Council https://www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/business- Council Meeting 27 papers April Hardship Relief Program

1. Include a COVID-19 Hardship Relief Program of $750,000 in the 2020/21 Draft Financial Assistance Schedule, based on an eligibility criteria and conditions as follows:

• Applicable to the rating period from 1 April to 1 October 2020; • Applications open to all affected ratepayers unable to pay amounts due after the six month interest free deferral period; • Evidence by way of a Statutory Declaration demonstrating a reduction of 30% of income in the six month period from 1 April to 31 October 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 • emergency and other assistance accessed during that period; and • Maximum financial assistance amount of 30% of total rates payable by affected ratepayers for the specified period. RECOMMENDED

2. Include a COVID-19 Hardship Relief Program of $750,000 in the 2020/21 Draft Financial Assistance Schedule, based on an eligibility criteria and conditions as follows:

• Applicable to the rating period from 1 April to 1 October 2020; • Applications open to all affected Residential ratepayers unable to pay amounts due after the six month interest free deferral period; • Evidence by way of a Statutory Declaration demonstrating a reduction of 30% of income in the six month period from 1 April to 31 October 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 emergency and other assistance accessed during that period; and • Maximum financial assistance amount of 30% of total rates payable by affected ratepayers for the specified period. NOT RECOMMENDED

3. Limit assistance to those suffering financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 in accordance with the existing Revenue and Debt Management Policies.

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NOT RECOMMENDED

Bathurst Council https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/council/council/council- Regional Meeting 15 meetings.html Council April 2020 Payment of Council Rates – Cases of Hardship

Council rates and charges will continue to be levied by the Council; these are required to be levied under the Local Government Act (1993). Council will deal with cases of hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic on an individual case by case basis. Council will work with ratepayers and businesses to establish repayment plans. Such plans may include consideration of the waiving, or deferring, of interest penalties for the short term. The current interest rate charged on overdue rates and charges is 7.5%. Councillors should note that where rates are already overdue, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, existing charges including interest will continue to be levied and existing debt recovery action/proceedings will continue. It is anticipated that the COVID-19 pandemic will have an impact on cash flows. The level of this will become apparent when the next rate instalment is levied in May 2020. Any substantial across the board rate subsidies would require Federal/State funds. Further, any cutting of the rate base would have significant impacts on the Council's ongoing viability if we are to maintain services at current service levels. Council will be expected to be a driver of the local economy, as we come out of this crisis.

Broken Hill Council https://www.brokenhill.nsw.gov.au/Council/Meetings/Minutes-and- City Council Meeting 25 agendas March 2020 Recommendation

1. That Mayoral Minute No. 5/20 dated March 25, 2020, be received.

2. That Council note the actions of the General Manager to enact the Business Continuity Plan and stand up the Continuity Management Team.

3. That Council make amendments to the Procurement Policy to allow for all purchases below $5,000 to be purchased directly from local suppliers, where practicable.

4. That all purchases above $5,000 will be awarded to local suppliers if they are the most competitive in monetary terms and/or if they fall within 10% of the most competitive quotation.

5. That Council updates it Statement of Business terms to reduce payment terms from 30 days to seven (7) days, to allow timely payments to businesses.

6. That Council amend its Debt Recovery Policy to freeze all debt recovery action on unpaid rates.

7. That Council amend its Statement of Revenue to reduce the overdue interest rate on unpaid rates from 7.5% to 0%.

8. That resolution three, four, five and six be in place until 30 June 2020, with the view to review again as part of the 2020/21 Operational

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Plan.

9. That Council note the devastating impacts to Council’s financial position due to COVID-19.

Byron Shire Council https://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-meetings/Agendas- Council Meeting 23 Minutes April 2020 Recommendation 1: Council relaxes the owner/occupier rule to also allow payment arrangements from owners with multiple properties provided they enter into a suitable payment arrangement for each individual property.

Recommendation 2: Council suspends debt recovery action beyond issuance of a reminder notice or statement with a review to be conducted in December 2020.

Recommendation 3: Council agrees to a further deferment of six months as of 1 April 2020 of Developer Contributions for Section 64 Sewerage Contributions. The deferment does not mean the required repayments are reduced or written off but means that repayments due do not need to be made for the next six months and will need to recommence on 1 October 2020 subject to a review at that time.

Recommendation 4: Council establishes a bank overdraft facility for $1,000,000 and authorises the General Manager to establish this facility.

Cessnock City Council https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-meetings/Minutes- Council Meeting 15 agendas April 2020 RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council endorse the following measures to provide support to the community of Cessnock LGA. a. Printing of an invitation on the 4th rates instalment to contact Council to make an arrangement should you be facing challenges in making payment by the due date. The payment arrangement will consist of: i. Extension to pay the 4th rates instalment until 31 August 2020. ii. No interest to be applied from the point of contact by the ratepayer until 31 August 2020. b. Referral of ratepayers to the Financial Counsellor only if the ratepayer was in hardship prior to COVID-19. c. Extension of the Hardship Policy to encompass all assessments. d. That until 31 August 2020, no new debt collection legal action will commence.

2. That Council suspends Commercial and Operational Licensing and Leasing rent on a month by month basis from 1 April 2020.

3. That Council provides delegation to the General Manager to write off amounts of up to $10,000 where hardship is assessed and accepted by Council as being related to COVID-19.

4. That any debts written off by the General Manager be included as part of the Quarterly Budget Review Statements.

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(Deniliquin) Council https://www.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council- Edward River Meeting 16 Meetings/Minutes-and-Agendas Council April 2020 RESOLUTION 2020/74 Moved: Cr Pat Fogarty Seconded: Cr Peta Betts That Council 1.Receive and note the ERC’s COVID-19 Economic and Resilience Response.

2.Postpone 20/21 Rate 2.6 % increase (Rate freeze, this is a zero increase for the Ordinary Rates) which were due to come into effect 1 July 2020 and apply a ‘catch up’ rate increase in the 2 years following the year for which the shortfall occurred so as to produce the maximum amount so permissible of the general income plus the whole or any part of the shortfall in accordance with Section 511(1) of the Local Government Act 1993.

3.Adopt the interim Debt Collection and Hardship Policy for an initial 3-month period with consideration of extension.

4.Arrange payment plan and an amendment to Council’s Debt Collection and Hardship Policy to pause all current debt collection activity until 30/06/2020 in accordance with Section 712(1) of the Local Government Act 1993 – Special provisions with respect to the recovery of unpaid rates and charges.

5.Arrange payment plan and an amendment to Council’s Statement of Revenue to freeze the overdue interest rate of 7.5% which costs Council around $44,000 for an initial 3-month period in accordance with Section 567(a) and (b) of the Local Government Act 1993. 6.Consider waiver of interest on a case by case basis (with an initial 3-month period) in accordance with Section 567(a) and 583(1) of the Local Government Act 1993.

7.Consider an amendment to Council’s Procurement Policy for the following additions: a.A relaxation of Council’s procurement process to allow for all purchases below $5,000 to be purchased directly from local suppliers if available. b.A reduction in payment terms from 30 days to 7 days, to ensure swift payment to businesses. 8.That Councillor’s Fees be frozen at the current level for the 2020/21 Financial Year.

Dubbo Culture, https://www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/About-Council/Meetings-and- Regional Corporate Documents/council-meetings Council and Economy CEC20/13 COVID-19 RATES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY Committee (ID20/298) Meeting 14 April 2020 The Committee had before it the report dated 8 April 2020 from the Chief Financial officer regarding COVID-19 Financial Assistance Policy. Moved by Councillor G Mohr and seconded by Councillor S Lawrence MOTION That, in accordance with Clause 9.3 of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, this item be considered as a matter of urgency. CARRIED Moved by Councillor G Mohr and seconded by Councillor S Lawrence Extraordinary Meeting of Council | 05 May 2020 11

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MOTION

1. That the draft COVID-19 Rates Financial Assistance Policy, as attached to the report of the Chief Financial Officer dated 8 April 2020 as Appendix 1, be adopted.

2. That no interest be applied to outstanding Rates and Charges to these Ratepayers who make a successful application under the COVID-19 Rates Financial Assistance Policy for the period 1 June 2020 to 31 December 2020.

Kempsey Council That Council: Shire Council Meeting 21 April 2020 a. Amends the Hardship Relief to Ratepayers procedure (5.4.4) to apply to COVID-19 impacted businesses.

b. Suspends new debt recovery actions for outstanding accounts, where financial hardship is apparent, for a period of up to 6 months commencing 22 April 2020.

c. Continues debt recovery actions for those outstanding accounts which are already subject to legal proceedings.

d. Increase the Local Preference Purchasing Procedure notional price offset from 5% and a maximum of $25,000, to 10% and a maximum of $50,000 for the period to 30 June 2021.

e. Waive all interest charges on outstanding rates for a minimum period to 31 October 2020 where the ratepayer can demonstrate they suffered financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 impacts and enters into an approved payment arrangement in accordance with the Hardship Relief to Ratepayers Procedure.

f. Delegate to the General Manager the authority to: i. apply the National Cabinet mandated Code of Conduct for Commercial Tenancies; ii. provide rental relief for Council business tenants and not-for-profit community groups located within or on Council owned properties where the business or community group can demonstrate they suffered financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 impacts for a period of up to 6 months commencing 22 April 2020; and iii. waive any other fee associated with small businesses and not-for profit community groups where the business or community group can demonstrate they suffered financial hardship within the Kempsey Shire as a result of COVID-19 impacts for a period of up to 6 months commencing 22 April 2020.

g. Note that a moratorium on outdoor dining fees associated with the commercial use of footpaths already exists.

h. A report be provided to a future Council meeting no later than September 2020 that details the financial assistance provided as a result of the initiatives included within this resolution and includes a recommendation for any further financial assistance should this be deemed necessary.

i. Note that, as the fourth rates instalment notice was printed and sent to ratepayers prior to the April Council meeting, limited detail

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regarding the relief available to ratepayers suffering hardship could be referenced.

j. Note that a letter was included in the fourth rates instalment notice to ratepayers advising them of altered rates payment arrangements given that customer services are not currently offering a face-to-face service and that a further mail-out to ratepayers is being considered to advise them of any resolutions made by Council in relation to the payment of rates.

Kiama Council https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/your-council/meetings- Municipal Meeting 21 committees/business-papers Council April 2020 11.3 COVID-19 - financial relief package 20/100OC Committee recommendation that Council:

1. acknowledge the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the community

2. approve options for ratepayers, where it is their primary place of residence, to defer payment of their rates and annual charges until 31 August 2020 through approving a. removal of the penalty interest applicable on overdue rates and annual charges by reducing the interest charge from 7.5% to 0% from 21 April 2020 until 31 August 2020 b. cease legal recovery otherwise required under Council’s Hardship Policy for those accounts that have outstanding balances until 31 August 2020, while continuing to issue all annual, instalment and revised reminder notices to keep our ratepayers informed c. all accrued interest and outstanding debt balances prior to 21 April 2020 remain as outstanding debts

3. note that the following has been implemented and will continue: a. paying small business within two weeks of receiving a correctly rendered invoice b. ensuring users of Council facilities are receiving a credit or refund for cancellations relating to the COVID-19 pandemic

4. approve for the period of the COVID-19 pandemic the waiving of outdoor dining fees

5. apply the National Cabinet mandatory Code of Conduct – SME Commercial Leasing principles during COVID-19 and further hold all rent reviews for Council tenants for 12 months

6. delegate to the General Manager the hardship process required to seek the waiver of fees or rates of interest

7. has provided a simplified form for ratepayers suffering financial hardship due to COVID-19 to complete and request a payment deferment to August 2020 for ratepayers

8. that this financial relief package is reviewed and updated on a monthly basis.

(Councillors Brown and Rice) Lismore City Council https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-

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CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year

Council Date of Web link Council Meeting

Council Meeting 14 HYC-81-75-46 April 2020 12.2 COVID-19: Rates, Fees & Charges and Debt Recovery 54/20 A MOTION WAS MOVED that Council: amend the Debt Collection Procedures & Hardship Policy by: Extend the commencement of interest accruals on overdue notices by 60 days; No new legal action (no action from Demand letters that have already issued and no new Demand letters that would threaten legal action); Continue with current action at least to a Judgement stage to protect the legal costs that have already accrued (legal costs can be contested through the court until judgement is completed); Set a minimum per week for arrangements through EC. They have suggested $25; Continue to monitor arrangements (EC and LCC); Continue to send Reminder letters from Council temporarily remove the following fees: Community Facility Hire Fees – Full refunds for bookings made in advance that now have to be cancelled; Commercial Use of Footpaths – No fees for a period of 15 months from 1 April to 30 June 2021 to allow businesses to re-establish when they open; Community Group Tenancy rentals – These are two community based organisations that pay more than a $1 pepper-corn rent, or the crown statutory rental minimum, operating from Council owned or controlled land; Market Fees, including Farmers Market – No fees for period 1 April to 30 September; Building Owner Fire Certificate processing fees directs the General Manager to hold a workshop next week to provide modelling on the financial impact to council business and also on the cost of a freeze to interest charged on overdue rates for a period of up to 15 months. does not borrow funds to support rate and fee relief, acknowledging that it is not in a financially sound enough position to reduce rates and charges across the board. This could also be somewhat inequitable for residents and businesses who will not suffer any loss of income while Australia responds to Covid-19. acknowledges that total value of these concessions could be in excess $1,000,000 and represents a significant cash flow shortfall. The advice from the General Manager is that Council does not have the capacity to manage this shortfall, in the short term. Council directs the General Manager to lobby the State and Federal government for funding to support council operations and our residents. (Councillors Marks/Bird) (BP20/263) Maitland City Council COUNCIL RESOLUTION Council Meeting 14 THAT April 2020 1. Council note and endorse the actions taken to date under Council’s ‘Hardship Policy’ in relation to debt recovery, rental relief and suspension of interest on outstanding rates.

2. Council note and endorse the proposal to remove the current Second Tier (Mall/Levee) of the CBD Marketing and Promotional Special Rate.

3. Council note the community and business related response and recovery support initiatives contemplated in this report for further development and identification of funding, for consideration and determination by Council as the City moves through the course of the Extraordinary Meeting of Council | 05 May 2020 14

CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year

Council Date of Web link Council Meeting

COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic.

Moved Cr R Aitchison, Seconded Cr D Ferris

CARRIED

Mid-Western Council http://www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au/council/council-meetings/council- Regional Meeting 15 meeting-documents-2020/ordinary-meeting-15-april-2020/ Council April 2020 108/20

MOTION: Cavalier / Shelley That Council: 1. provide a streamlined process to allow rate payers having difficulty paying their rates to apply for an extension to pay up until 30 September 2020;

2. waive any interest charges that would normally accrue on outstanding payments, for any ratepayers that apply for the extension, for the period up until 30 September 2020;

3. cease formal debt recovery action, with no more missed instalment notices or recovery letters issued until after 31 August 2020;

4. request a report be brought back to Council at the August 2020 Council meeting, to assess whether the relief actions require extending;

5. and relevant staff hold a workshop to establish a process and the relevant criteria for assessing hardship applications, and providing rate deferrals and/or monetary relief to ratepayers who meet the criteria;

6. allocates $720,000 to the 2019/2020 budget for the purpose of providing rate relief to those most impacted by COVID-19, funded from unrestricted cash; and

7. consider a report to be brought back to Council following the workshop being held.

Port Council https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/About-Us/How-Council-Works/Council- Macquarie- Meeting 15 and-Committee-Meetings/Council-Meeting-Agendas-and-Minutes Hastings April 2020 RESOLVED: Intemann/Levido Council That Council:

1. Waive or defer the payment of fees and charges as detailed below in relation to community members and local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 virus. These fees and charges include: Fee / Charge Timeline of waiver / deferral Conditions of waiver / deferral a) Waive Interest on rates and charges Up to 6 months commencing 16/04/2020 For applicants who enter into payment arrangements on outstanding accounts as per recommendation 2 below. b) Waive Direct debit dishonour fees Up to 6 months commencing 16/04/2020

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CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year

Council Date of Web link Council Meeting

2. Delegate authority to the General Manager to enter into a formal agreement with an eligible applicant to repay outstanding rates and charges by periodical payments on a payment arrangement, where the applicant is suffering financial hardship due to the impacts of COVID-19. Note that application for such payment arrangements will be subject to similar criteria and documentation requirements as the current Council adopted Rates & Charges Hardship Assistance policy.

3. Amend the Rates and Charges Hardship Assistance Policy to include provisions for non-residential property owners.

4. Continue to issue reminder notices on outstanding accounts, with details of assistance options provided, however suspend formal debt recovery actions for outstanding accounts for a period of up to 6 months.

5. Note the additional range of non-financial support programs and initiatives to be offered to our community, local businesses and events during this difficult period, as detailed in this Relief Measures for the Impacts of COVID-19 report.

6. Request that the General Manager: a) Establish a COVID-19 Recovery Working Group with the General Manager as the Chair, with the purpose of the working group being to bring together community leaders from across the Port Macquarie- Hastings Local Government Area to discuss how we can successfully recover from the COVID-19 health crisis, economically, socially and culturally. b) Adopt the COVID-19 Recovery Working Group Charter as tabled at this 15 April 2020 Council meeting.

7. Amend the Tendering Local Preference Policy to increase the notional price offset from 5% to 20%, and the cap from $25,000 to $50,000, for a period of 6 months for all Request for Tenders advertised on and from 16 April 2020.

8. Request the General Manager provide a report to the 20 May 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council on initiatives that could be undertaken by Council to assist local business in securing opportunities to do business with Council including for contracts that fall under the procurement tendering threshold.

CARRIED: 7/0

Tamworth Council https://www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council- Regional Meeting 6 meetings/business-papers-and-minutes Council April 2020 4.1 COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE – FILE NO SF10194 DIRECTORATE: OFFICE OF THE GENERAL MANAGER AUTHOR: Col Murray, Mayor MOTION Moved Cr Murray That in relation to the report “COVID-19 Relief Package”, Council: (i) receive and note the report;

(ii) acknowledge the work already undertaken;

(iii) approve the waiving of footpath advertising fees to 30 June 2020;

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CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year

Council Date of Web link Council Meeting

(iv) approve that no additional fees will be charged for the use of additional public space to provide take-away food services to 30 June 2020;

(v) approve that CBD Car Parking Fees will be removed to 30 June 2020, and that time restrictions will remain in place;

(vi) authorise the full refund of fees to any Development Application (DA) applicants wanting to withdraw applications currently under assessment; (vii) endorse the flexible approach to enforcement and compliance as outlined in the body of the report;

(viii) endorse the work with Local, State and Federal agencies to maximise employment opportunities;

(ix) acknowledge no new debt recovery action for overdue rates and charges during the COVID-19 crisis to 23 June 2020;

(x) approve the writing off of any interest in accordance with section 567 of the Local Government Act 1993 to any overdue rates from the fourth quarter 2020 rates instalments;

(xi) approve the pausing/suspension of rent for commercial properties on.

Note: The above information was available at the time of report preparation. The following Category 4 Council’s had no rate relief information available on their websites at this time: Armidale Regional Council, Bega Valley Shire Council, Clarence Valley Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Goulburn Mulwaree Council, MidCoast Council, Lithgow City Council, Orange City Council, Port Stephens Council, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, Richmond Valley Council, Shellharbour Council, Singleton Council, Wagga Wagga City Council and Wingecarribee Shire Council.

MAJOR CONSIDERATIONS IF REDUCING RATE REVENUE AND/OR WATER & SEWER CHARGES When considering Councils position and whether rate revenue and / or other revenue streams can or should be reduced, a number of issues need to be considered both in the short and long term.

1. Council secures funding from borrowings and in particular NSW Treasury Corporation at vastly reduced interest rates than those from commercial borrowing sources. Contact has been made with TCorp in regards to what if any impact would result from Council making a decision to write off rate, water or sewer revenues.

Tcorp have responded with:

“Given the impact of COVID-19 TCorp is endeavouring to support Councils who are facing challenges at this time.

To be clear, however, all new loans will continue to go through our existing credit process where, as you know, we examine certain cash flow measures (including Operating ratio, Cash Expense ratio, Debt Service Coverage ratio and Interest Coverage ratio) to determine Council’s ability to service and repay any TCorp loan. We will, of course, take into account

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CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year any change in circumstances but fundamentally, we will need to be comfortable of being repaid”.

It is clear that it is not guaranteed that further loan funding through TCorp will be available. Council still has $10M to borrow for the Griffith Regional Sports Precinct and potentially a further $3M for the Griffith Housing Strategy if grant funding applications are successful.

In all Council may or will have borrowings of approx. $42M to service over the next 20 years and therefore revenue streams will be vital in meeting those obligations.

2. Any decision to reduce available revenue may impact future grant applications. Funding bodies may be reluctant to provide grant funds to Councils that have not maintained or maximised their own source revenues before submitting grant applications for additional funds.

3. Council has included the Lake Wyangan Redevelopment in its 10 Year Capital Expenditure Plan. This project is funded initially through a $2M internal loan from the Water Fund into the General Fund. All internal loans are required to be signed off by the Minister for Local Government before implementing. If Council reduces its revenue in the General Fund by way of reducing Rates Income, it may result or lead to the request to borrow funds internally being denied by the Minister and effectively leaving the Lake Wyangan Project unfunded.

4. Any substantial Writing off Rates, Water & Sewer Charges are likely to come under the scrutiny of both the Office of Local Government and the Audit Office of NSW.

5. At the point of writing this report, staff are unaware of any other Council writing off Rates, Water, Sewer or Waste charges or not imposing the rate pegging increase available to it.

It is not considered likely that a moderate rebate equivalent to the 2.6% rate pegging figure in 2020/21 whilst maintaining the notional income available in future years (i.e. capped at $475K in total) would attract to many issues highlighted in points 1 to 5 above however these may need further checks to ascertain fully.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DISCUSSED AT WORKSHOPS ON 7 th & 14th APRIL 2020 7 April - One potential option for rate relief to ratepayers was discussed at this recent workshop. This involved a one-off permanent change to notional income by not imposing the 2.6% rate pegging increase to the 2020/21 rates instalment. The impact of this has been reviewed and this would result in reducing the rate income by $475K in 2020/21 as well as that amount compounded each year infinite such that over the 10 year Operational Budget, Council would be foregoing in excess of $5M in income and over 20 years this would be in excess of $11M. The issues highlighted in dot points 1 to 5 above would certainly be relevant. See attachment for graph analysis on this option.

14 April – Staff were asked to consider the impacts of a further 2.6% one off reduction across Rates, Water, Sewer & Waste Charges to the already recognised rate rebate of $475K. The impact of this is assessed to represent a further reduction of revenue of $2.75M and again the issues highlighted in dot points 1 to 5 above would certainly be relevant. See attachment for full analysis on this option.

RATING STRUCTURE and VALUER GENERAL RE-VALUATIONS ISSUES For the upcoming 2020/21 financial year, Council is required to use a new general revaluation provided by the Valuer General. The general revaluation has been across all Councils in NSW.

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CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year

The latest valuations have resulted in some very significant issues due to the large fluctuation in individual valuations where across the LGA there have been some large increases in valuations as well as decreases. Council is statutorily required to use these valuations and is also required to rate by category i.e. Residential, Business, Farmland & Farmland Irrigable.

At this point, staff have prepared the rating structure on the basis of the new valuations and with the lowest possible impacts on the most number of ratepayers but notwithstanding this, there are some material impacts to individual ratepayers that cannot be diminished other than through the ratepayer relief initiatives indicated above.

Staff have drafted an application form that will be utilised to assist ratepayers who wish to defer rates free of interest (see attachment).

Staff have been in contact with the Valuer Generals office on several occasions to request action by way of deferring the use of the new valuations for at least one year so that ratepayers are not impacted adversely from the new valuations whilst also having to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The VG to date has refused to consider our requests favourably. The Mayor has written to the Minister for Local Government Hon. Shelley Hancock MP seeking her intervention and requesting that Council be authorised to delay the implementation of the new valuations until the 2021-22 financial year. Some additional information on the impacts of the revaluation are as follows;

• Recent general valuations for Griffith LGA (for 2019) has resulted in large and material variations in valuations from 2016 to 2019 • These valuations will cause some cases of extreme hardship for a significant number of ratepayers • Many Ratepayers impacted by these revaluations are also impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic, causing a double impact • Ratepayers only see the true impact of revaluations once rates notices are received in July/August • The large variation in values has made the task of preparing a coherent and fair rating structure by rate category largely impossible • Requests made to the VG that Council be allowed to retain the prior (2016) rating valuation for 2020/21. This would allow Council to provide the ratepayers with relief for the coming year and also enable them to be provided with the forecast increase in rates for the following year to allow them both time to adjust for any adverse impacts and also to submit an application to the VG for a review of the valuation during the year • The table below summarises the % impacts in each category.

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CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year

Summary % Impact No of assessments impacted Business Reductions > 50% - < 60% 2 > 40% - < 50% 2 > 30% - < 40% 24 > 20% - < 30% 90 > 10% - < 20% 230 > 0% - < 10% 237

Increases > 0% - < 10 % 251 > 10% - < 20% 104 > 20% - < 30% 52 > 30% - < 40% 20 > 40% - < 50% 6 > 50% - < 100% 8 > 100% 3 Farmland - Irrigable Reductions > 50% - < 60% 1 > 40% - < 50% 5 > 30% - < 40% 30 > 20% - < 30% 123 > 10% - < 20% 448 > 0% - < 10% 345

Increases > 0% - < 10 % 40 > 10% - < 20% 43 > 20% - < 30% 290 > 30% - < 40% 7 > 40% - < 50% 1 > 50% - < 100% 4 > 100% 3 Residential Reductions > 30% - < 40% 82 > 20% - < 30% 48 > 10% - < 20% 1,162 > 0% - < 10% 3,754

Increases > 0% - < 5% 1,600 > 5% - < 10% 400 > 10% - < 20% 925 > 20% - < 30% 475 > 30% - < 40% 153 > 40% - < 50% 19 > 50% - < 100% 11 Farmland - Dry Reductions > 20% - < 30% 2 > 10% - < 20% 4 > 0% - < 10% 35

Increases > 0% - < 10 % 15 > 10% - < 20% 11 > 20% - < 30% 9 > 30% - < 40% 7 > 40% - < 50% 3 > 50% - < 100% 9

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CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year

NSW State Government Announcement

In response to LGNSW’s advocacy, the NSW Government has announced a $395 million local government stimulus package.

To date, no other State or Territory Government has provided local governments with support of this magnitude, providing added significance to our success.

In summary the package includes:

• A three-month Council Job Retention Allowance of $1500 per fortnight per qualifying staff, to limit job losses. The total allowance is capped at $112.5 million and will be drawn from the NSW Government’s Jobs for NSW fund. • $32.8 million to help councils meet increases in the 2020/21 Emergency Services Levy. This provision is over and above the $13.6 million provided last year, to help manage overnight levy increases of up to $220,000. • a $250 million increase in low-cost loans to eligible councils through the State’s TCorp borrowing facility, to kick-start community infrastructure projects. TCorp will also be offering principal and interest payments deferrals on existing council loans upon request for the next six months.

OPTIONS

OPTION 1 As per recommendation:

(a) Council endorse the draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 incorporating the Operational Plan (Budget) 2020/21 and updated draft Ten Year Long Term Financial Plan. (b) Council place the draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 incorporating the Operational Plan (Budget) 2020/21 and draft Ten Year Long Term Financial Plan on public display for 28 days during which time a community consultation process will be implemented including community information session. (c) Following the public exhibition period, the draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 incorporating the Operational Plan (Budget) 2020/21 and draft Ten Year Long Term Financial Plan be presented to Council for adoption by 30 June 2020. (d) That Griffith City Council continue its membership of Regional Cities NSW for the next 3 years (i.e. 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23) and that a review of membership be undertaken during 2022/23.

OPTION 2 Any other resolution of Council.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The draft operational budget has been prepared on the basis of accounting for the significant impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic and inclusive of some additional rate relief measures for ratepayers and various water and sewer user charges. The draft budget has been prepared

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CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year on the basis of maintaining Council’s financial viability into the future and to undertake the majority of capital projects outlined in the 10 year Capex Plan as attached.

As has been the case for several years now, should Council resolve to include currently unfunded projects, in order to maintain Council’s sound financial position, Council should consider the removal of other funded projects to accommodate the new projects.

Councillors have discussed at workshop a number of potential additional rate/user charge relief measures and what the financial cost of this may be. There are three (3) measures that have been included below that is limited to the revenue impact on Council over the ten (10) years of the Long Term Financial Plan. At this point we are not able to accurately determine what if any expenditure reductions may be available to offset substantial revenue reductions as this would require in depth review on both capital expenditure but also operational expenditure and reductions in service levels across council.

Scenario 1. (Not recommended). A one–off rebate write off of Rates/Waste/Water & Sewer Charges due between now and 31 October 2020 which includes Two Rates Instalments and One Water/Sewer Instalment. The impact of this would be a reduction in revenue of over $16.5M. In addition to other revenue impacts already highlighted of $1.8M there would a total loss of revenue of up to $18.3M to Council. This would place Council in real danger of becoming insolvent as it would be highly unlikely that it could cover wages and creditor payments beyond the very short term. This scenario would certainly trigger all of the issues highlighted under the heading Major Considerations if Reducing Rate Revenue and/or Water & Sewer Charges.

Scenario 2. (Not recommended). A one-off permanent write off of revenue equivalent to the 2.6% rate pegging increase for the 2020/21 year totalling $474K. The permanent write off of this revenue has a compounding effect every year in that the $474K plus future rate pegging increases is unrecoverable each and every year into the future. There is an attachment to this report that outlines this scenario in graphical form but in summary there would be a reduction of approx. $5.4M to Councils revenue across the next 10 years and in excess of $11.0M across 20 years and so on into the future. Across the 10 years and adding in the other revenue impacts to Council from Covid-19, there would be a loss of revenue of over $7.2M. This scenario would certainly trigger some or all of the issues highlighted under the heading Major Considerations if Reducing Rate Revenue and/or Water & Sewer Charges.

Scenario 3. (Not recommended). A one–off rebate write off of Rates/Waste/Water & Sewer Charges for the 2020/21 equal to 2.6% rate pegging (in addition to the 2.6% rate pegging reduction already applied in the draft budget as prepared). Assuming that this revenue decrease is a one-off measure and notional rate income is preserved then the revenue reduction is a further $2.75M to the $474K already included in the budget along with a further $1.8M in lost revenue from other areas of operations therefore a total of over $5.0M. This scenario would certainly trigger some or all of the issues highlighted under the heading Major Considerations if Reducing Rate Revenue and/or Water & Sewer Charges.

Council has managed to position itself to be in a solid financial position and one in which it could weather the impact of such an event like the Covid-19 Pandemic and the resultant impact on the loss of revenues across Councils facilities. Any decision to reduce rate/water & sewer revenues under scenarios 1, 2 or 3 will have serious consequences for Councils ongoing financial sustainability in both the short and long term. It would certainly have an impact on future service levels and future capital works programs which in the end will impact the community.

LEGAL/STATUTORY IMPLICATIONS The Office of Local Government requires that Council's Delivery Program, and Operational Plan (Budget) be adopted by 30 June annually. Due to Covid-19 Councils have been

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CL01 Endorsement of the Draft Delivery Program 2017/18 - 2020/21 Incorporating the Draft Operational Plan (Budget) for the 2020/21 Financial Year provided with a one month extension to adopt their 2020-21 Operational Plan before 31 July 2020.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS Not Applicable

COMMUNITY IMPLICATIONS

The recommendation provides a budget forecast that will maintain Councils “Fit for the Future” status and provide the necessary income to both maintain existing infrastructure and meet the funding of the projects listed in the 10 Year Capital Expenditure Plan.

If there is any additional reduction in rates and / or water and sewer charges then Councils “Fit for the Future” status may be impacted and the issues highlighted under Major Considerations If Reducing Rate Revenue and/or Water & Sewer Charges would be valid and may well eventuate. The resultant reduction in revenue will certainly result in impacts to both current and future service levels and the projected 10 Year Capital Expenditure Plan which would have to be brought back to Council as adjustments in periodic future Quarterly Reviews.

LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN

This item links to Council’s Strategic Plan item C5 - To provide a governance role in the continuous development of the City of Griffith.

CONSULTATION

Senior Management Team Councillors

ATTACHMENTS

(a) Reserve Analysis as at 30 June 2019

(b) Permanent Rate Write off 2.6% 2020/21 Year

(d) Revenue Decrease Worksheet 2020-21 Draft Operating Budget

(e) Draft Application Form - Rates, Water & Sewer Charges Deferment

(f) Regional Cities NSW MOU - 24 October 2019 - Media Release

(g) Regional Cities NSW MOU - 24 October 2019

(h) Regional Cities NSW MOU - Letter to Member for Murray 8 November 2019

(i) Draft Delivery Program & Operational Plan 2020-21 (under separate cover)

(j) Draft 10 Year Long Term Financial Plan (under separate cover)

(k) Photo - RCNSW MOU Signing

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