MELTON councillors debated a “mean-spirited” budget last week then adopted it with a 4-2 vote.
The 2013-14 budget sets aside $36.5 million for capital works, including $8.9 million for road infrastructure, $17.5 million for community buildings and $4.1 million for recreational assets.
The budget was adopted after police were called to the meeting because of ratepayers causing a stir in public question time.
Several refused to accept chief executive Kelvin Tori’s response to questions about the federal government’s proposed local government referendum, resulting in a shouting match.
Police removed the ratepayers from the council chamber.
It was the fourth time this year police had been called to a Melton council meeting.
Cr Broden Borg opposed the budget’s average rates increase of 4 per cent, saying many families were doing it tough and didn’t need the added burden.
“I do not oppose this budget lightly,” he said.
“There are some items in the budget I do agree with, and certainly what I’m sticking to are the promises I made at the election.
“I promised that rates would be capped at no increase, at CPI [only]. This budget does not reflect that.”
Cr Lara Carli said capital works money was not being spent fairly.
“I cannot agree with a 4 per cent rate increase and I do not agree with how the capital works money is being spent, especially in Atherstone where millions of dollars are being spent,” she said.
“It is not needed now. The money is better off being spent elsewhere.”
Crs Bob Turner, Kathy Majdlik, Nola Dunn and Renata Cugliari voted in favour of the budget.
The council received 40 submissions, with many influencing the final outcome.
After issuing an appeal, the Lions Club of Melton received $12,605 for additional seating at Navan Park. The Brahminy Foundation’s wilderness program for at-risk youth received $25,000 to help five local teens.
But none of the ideas raised by the Cambridge, Coburn and Watts Residents’ Association, which made 14 submissions, were adopted.
CCWRA president Nathan Miles said the association stood by its view that the budget was not fair and equitable to all residents.
Items funded in the municipality’s eastern corridor included new shelters for Caroline Springs Cricket Club ($35,000) and new books for Caroline Springs and Melton libraries ($300,000).
