During the coming financial year, ratepayers will have to find an average of $2785.47, an extra $131.55, through rises in residential rates and water, sewer and waste charges.

Residents face increases of 9 per cent on water and 7 per cent on sewer, however, the situation could have been worse.

Last year, the sewer charges were projected to increase by 10 per cent a year until 2016-17 before dropping to 3 per cent in 2017-18, while a 10 per cent increase in water charges was meant to remain in place until the end of the 2015-16 financial year, also before dropping to 3 per cent.

The changes occurred after plans to bring the council’s water and sewer funds back into surplus were remodelled, and they will cover $600,000 in water main extensions and renewals. 

Finance committee chair and councillor Kevin Duffy said the rises could be justified because a balanced budget had to be achieved.

“That’s what it costs to run them. It’s not like other councils who are asking for 50 or 60 per cent increases across the board,” he said.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal pegged the residential rate increase at 2.4 per cent, while waste fees will increase by $22.37 for the year.

According to Kathy Woolley’s report to councillors, the council will generate $113.9 million of income in the 2015-16 financial year, with $55.4 million to be spent on capital projects, including $5.8 million on the Orange and Central Tablelands pipeline project and $20.3 million on the Southern Feeder Road.

It expects a narrow operating surplus of $919,893 and will take out $12.3 million in loans to fund the Shiralee development, Southern Feeder Road and the airport expansion.

At the meeting, councillor Glenn Taylor said the budget typically did not attract any community feedback. Last year, only one submission was made.

“It’s the most important document we have to deal with each year and I hope we make that point quite clearly to speak now or forever hold their peace,” he said.

The draft budget document are now on public exhibition at www.orange.nsw.gov.au/comment and submissions must be submitted by May 1.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au