The financial report compared the fiscal performance of the council from July to September to its adopted 2025/26 budget.
It recorded an $8.41 million shortfall, which was largely explained by the council receiving a Federal Government financial assistant grant earlier than expected.
An operating budget surplus of $36.85 million was recorded, below the $45.26 million accounted for in the annual budget.
“We’re relatively in line with budget,” Cr Zoe Cook said.
“The biggest difference is we received the financial assistance grant ... a couple of days from the other side of the financial year.”
Over $27 million was spent this quarter, with the highest expenses on employee costs, materials and services, and depreciation.
There are 86 projects in the council’s capital works program this financial year, with 30 carried over from the previous term.
Over $24 million has been committed to the works, representing half of the council’s annual target spend.
Four projects were completed this quarter, including renewals at Girgarre Memorial Hall and Rushworth Senior Citizens building, and works to the Echuca stadium and Holiday Park.
Substantial progress was made on nine other projects across the region, particularly to carried over projects, along with the council’s regular road renewal programs.
“Any carry over is a big issue for council, and it’s certainly a major focus,” Cr Paul Jarman said.
“Some projects take longer, but ultimately, the fact that carry-over projects have been the focus in our first quarter of this financial year, to finish off what we started, is important.”
Contracts were awarded for the Rochester demountable flood barriers and stage five of the Echuca Vic Park boat ramp.
Three works are at risk of delay, including the Kyabram Wilf Cox Pavilion construction, Echuca Holiday Park cabins upgrades, and the Echuca Victoria Park Multipurpose Building construction.
From July to October, 161 planning applications were received, and 142 applications were determined.
“We’re starting to see a few more applications coming in, which is a good thing,” Deputy Mayor Tony Marwood said.
“That shows a slight pickup in the economy.”
Following a steady decrease in applications determined within the statutory timeframe of 60 days since February, 83 per cent of applications hit this target in September and October.
The council’s November 18 agenda notes the extent of current planning changes is “unprecedented”, and is putting pressure on planners to stay updated with new legislation.
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