[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1/5 vc_col-md-1/5 vc_col-xs-1/5″][us_image image=”81825″ size=”thumbnail” align=”left” style=”circle” has_ratio=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4/5 vc_col-md-4/5 vc_col-xs-4/5″][vc_column_text]By Annette Madjarian[/vc_column_text][us_post_date][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hornsby Shire Council has adopted its 2022-2026 Delivery Program and 2022/23 Operational Plan incorporating the Budget, Rating Structure and Fees and Charges for 2022/23. The Program and Plan outline key initiatives and levels of service for the community.
Council has estimated a Budget surplus of $2.908 million, which will go towards “current and future challenges including asset management, construction and supply chain issues, natural disasters and cost shifting from other tiers of government”.
“Like many organisations, it has been impacted by a range of financial difficulties arising from revenue loss, inflation, high building material costs and resourcing issues. As the compounding effects of these continue, Council’s focus is on protecting its long-term financial position,” Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock said.
“Despite this careful management, our 10-year financial projections identify annual deficits in the near future will become the norm.This will impact our ability to provide the services our community is used to, respond to emerging identified community priorities and maintain our assets in the long term,” Mayor Ruddock said.
“For 2023, we look forward to progressing key programs including our major projects at Hornsby and Westleigh Parks, the Beecroft Town Centre, Asquith and Mount Colah domain improvements and works to improve local road and pavements.
“However, the reality is that our initiatives are largely funded from long held reserves and grants. Without these, our capacity to deliver community priorities is severely constrained. Hornsby Shire Council has a deserved reputation for responsible financial management and taking a realistic and measured approach to its operations,” Mayor Ruddock said.
The 2022-2026 Delivery Program and 2022/23 Operational Plan was on public exhibition from 14 April to 16 May 2022. 66 community submissions were received.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][us_image image=”82612″ size=”full” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
