Huon Valley ratepayers are facing a 12 percent increase in their rates next financial year, as part of a 10-year financial plan to bring the council into a budget surplus.
Despite concerns raised by one councillor around the pressure the increase would put on households and businesses, the council voted in favour of the increase at a meeting on Wednesday.
The increase will be followed by eight per cent in the 2024-25 financial year, six per cent in 2025-26 and four per cent in each of the following years.
Huon Valley mayor Sally Doyle acknowledged the hardship the 12 per cent hike would cause but said it was worth it to get the council out of its current financial position.
“We have a deficit which we need to, get out of,” she told the ABC.
“Last year we wanted to do eight percent, but it was voted on for five, which has just made the issue compound.”
“We need to do 12 [percent] this year and then there’s an eight [percent] and a six [percent] and then we’ll be able to hopefully go back to CPI.”
Doyle also highlighted the extensive services the council provides, including three cemeteries, two sports centres and one outdoor pool, nine recreation grounds, 21 public marine facilities, 14 playgrounds and parks, four skate parks and three childcare centres, among others.
