Not all of my questions to management were answered on the floor at the 4th of February meeting.
I am awaiting responses to the questions below.
Questions to the Acting Director of Corporate Services.
- Looking at the General Fund on page 3 (of the Quarterly Budget Review statements in the Agenda Attachments for the meeting), the ‘Other Expenses’ line is forecast to be $4.9 million, or 36% over the original budget. This is the largest proportional increase in the entire statement. Can you provide the detail of what constitutes the ‘Other Expenses’ overrun? What specific management actions are being taken to control this item for the remainder of the year and to prevent a recurrence in the next year’s budget?
- On p3. There are large income increases from Grants & Contributions (up 22.1%) and User Charges & Fees (up 16.7%). Can you provide more specific information regarding both the sources and the reasons for the increase?
- On page 3, the General Fund User Charges forecast of $26.2 million required Council to collect $11.5 million in the second half of the year. This implies a monthly collection rate 21% lower than our exceptional first-half performance, yet the annual total is still 48% higher than last year. Can you explain the reason for the second half slowdown after a record first half? Can you confirm what proportion of the YTD $16.65 million is from one-off items versus sustainable recurring income?
Questions for the Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services.
What is the likely percentage of the cost covered by the future contribution (for construction of the Gloucester Sewer Treatment Plant Replacement)? From what areas of the Local Government Area will these contributions be taken?
Question for the Executive Manager Sustainable Development
Regarding Resolution 381/2023 – Subdivision and development infrastructure damage bonds. Can you tell me how long the list of those affected is and what, approximately, is the total of the bonds held on the list?