After incorporating the unexpected 22.34 per cent increase in the emergency services level Council needs to pay into its draft operational plan, Council’s General Manager Kerry McMurray says the budget is balanced but very tight.

“The reality is there is very little surplus cash,” he says.

“In this next financial year, Council will remain focused on asset renewal and maintenance.”

Included in the Plan for 19/20, on display until Tuesday 18 June, is $130,000
for a much needed strategic parking and traffic study for the Kiama CBD, $100,000 for a heritage study in the Manning St civic precinct, $85,000 for air conditioning in Gerringong Town Hall,  $120,000 for a new website and $500,000 to repair the concrete cancer in the columns of the old Council Chamber (heritage grants are being sought for this).

Blue Haven Bonaira and the Gerringong Museum and Library complex will be completed during this budgetary period. Work will continue to make the Kiama Arts Precinct shovel ready, a necessary pre-condition for State or Federal grants.

The Plan will go before the June Council Meeting.

It is on exhibition for comment by 18 June here: http://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/your-council/consultations-exhibitions/public-notice-draft-operational-plan-2019-20