In the next decade the revenue raised from rates will increase by more than $5million, according to a south-west council's long term financial plan.
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Corangamite Shire Council on Tuesday night adopted the plan, which includes no borrowings and a rates income increase from $22.1 million to $27.5 million in the next 10 years to 2030.
Deputy mayor Ruth Gstrein applauded the "conservative" plan.
"It does keep us on the straight and narrow and keep council focused when it comes to budget time," she said.
"We continue to show a reliance on grants and in light of grants drying up I think future councils may have to look at taking up borrowings on future projects."
Corporate and community services manager David Rae said risks over the next decade included increased costs, lower rate caps and the long-term impacts of COVID-19.
An ageing demographic and slow population is also a concern for the shire, with population numbers only predicted to grow incrementally - 0.06 per cent - from the 16,225 recorded in 2019 to 16,463 in 2030.
Rates are tipped to make up 48 per cent of council funds, and total revenue will increase from $50.7m to $52.8m over 10 years.
Roads spending looks to decrease from $8.61m to $7.69m.
Of major spending over the next 10 years, 51 per cent will be on roads, 19 per cent on parks, open space and streetscapes, 14 per cent for landfill construction and 10 per cent on buildings.
The council's current cash reserves are the best they're predicted to be for the next decade.
The plan hints at a rise in cost for the ratepayer, outlining if income doesn't go up the council will 'need to consider further changes to services or fees to address the operating deficit.'
Find the full financial plan on the Corangamite Shire Council website.
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