Rates to rise for most Katanning residents

More than half of Katanning ratepayers will have to fork out more for their rates next year after the Shire of Katanning approved its 2014-15 budget last Wednesday evening.

Councillors approved an average 8 per cent rate rise meaning many properties in the Shire will have rates increases of between $60 and $80.

The Shire anticipates it will raise more than $3.2 million from rates this financial year, while just under $28 million will be spent in this year's budget.

Shire president Alan McFarland said the increase was based on a revaluation of gross rental values, which occurs every four years, and local government cost index.

"It's going to impact everyone; we are keeping up with the local government cost index which is around 8 per cent," he said.

"If you compare it with other local governments, your Merredins and your Manjimups … it's a similar increase."

Big spending projects in this year's budget includes $6 million towards Supertowns projects, including $500,000 for the Shire's new administration building.

A further $6.3 million will go towards the townscape redevelopment, new roundabout on Great Southern Highway and town planning.

More than $700,000 will be spent on Katanning Leisure Centre, including $600,000 towards an extension for gymnastics and aerobics.

The Shire is hoping to secure funding for the extension.

It has applied for Communitiy Sporting and Recreation Facilities Funding for a fourth time.

Upgrades to the Town Hall will continue after $557,686 was allocated to the project.

Just under $900,000 will be spent on parks and gardens.

Piesse Park Lake has been allocated $350,000 and an extra $85,000 will be spent on improving the area.

"There are some significant projects happening in Katanning right now and in the future," Cr McFarland said.

He said the main hurdles faced in this year's budget were the freezing of financial assistance grants that trickle down from the Federal Government to State and local governments.

"That has reduced the amount of money available," he said.

"A major part of our income comes from financial assistance grants.

"They have been frozen for three years.

"In real terms that's a net loss of 2 to 3 per cent."