Capel councillors agree to refuse increase in annual fees

CAPEL shire councillors knocked back a one per cent attendance fee and allowance increase at the April meeting after the State Administrative Tribunal ruled for a zero per cent increase.

An alternate motion was moved by Cr Jennifer Scott to retain the 2017-18 allowance levels to show the council was “aware of the fiscal restraints set upon us”.

The decision will save almost $1500.

Cr Sebastian Schiano who seconded the decision said it sent a good message of confidence to the community in what was “not the best economic environment”.

President Murray Scott said the decision reflected the council’s attempts to keep costs down.

“At the end of the day it is not a lot of money, but it is the principal of it,” he said.

“I thought about it for a little while and a couple of councillors were happy with it so they made up another recommendation.”

He said it was “marvellous” to see the motion supported by all of the elected members.

As part of the budget development process, elected members allowances are considered annually.

Elected members will receive an annual attendance fee within the Band 3 SAT range of $9518 to be paid quarterly in arrears and the president’s annual allowance fee is set at $19,035 paid quarterly.