We argued that the  reduction of  an existing ratepayer-funded service  based on a methodology on how each ratepayer uses this service is quite flawed.

Unfortunately, we failed to convince our fellow councillors that we should not be removing an existing service from the ratepayers. I expressed to them that the only voice the community has at the table are the councillors, and based on the feedback I and councillors Taylor and Duffy (and I am sure the other councillors)  had received, the community was against this and we should listen - but to no avail.  

 If we used the same principles for other ratepayer funded services, for example, the indoor aquatic centre, base it on the same 16,000 rateable locations and it comes back that only 40 per cent of the ratepaying community use this service  – do we also reduce this service to only open one day a fortnight … I don’t think so.

 Why, because the ratepaying community understand the City has to provide services for all the community, no matter if the services are used by some to their full extent or by others occasionally, or if the majority of these ratepayer-funded facilities are used by non-ratepaying community members.

These are the fundamentals  of  living in a  community  - a community is about sharing  and providing for all … especially basic services.

 So, reducing the red bin collection service that the community has come to rely on based on  economic relationism is a sad state of affairs.

 This council has done some wonderful projects in the past 10 years and  will continue to do so, however, I have always maintained my position that I will only support these projects as long as it does not affect  council’s basic ratepayer-funded services.  

 But it seems,  it has now been decided by the majority of my elected colleagues that council will be reducing rate payer funded services based on usage and or cost and all  to prop up other councillor-favoured projects.

 So,  I will be looking harder into other council expenditure and project expenditure, other than ratepayer-provided services that are “ear marked” in the current budget and should be removed, anything that is not directly beneficial to the ratepayer I will be recommending to remove it.

 Council resolved to trial the red bin fortnightly collection for six months. This will cost ratepayers in advertising, education and staff time and if it’s decided after six months that the community wants the weekly collection, it will cost ratepayers again to advertise, educate and staff time to inform the community it has changed – Are you thinking what I’m thinking (episode of yes Minister).

 Be assured the three councillors against this will not give up and are listening to you. Don’t you give up, get your submissions in on the council budget or contact council to express your thinking on this matter!

 Councillor Jeff Whitton