And is now calling for public feedback on the draft document along with the draft long-term financial strategy and draft revenue policy.
Murray River Council general manager Des Bilske said it was a carefully considered budget taking into account the unprecedented situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are acutely aware of the severe effect the restrictions implemented to control coronavirus have had on businesses and residents right across our council,” he said.
“Our draft long-term financial strategy in particular models some financial operating scenarios should the community be moved into any further lockdowns.
“As such we have aimed to deliver a responsible budget for this year that plans for future needs.”
The draft document estimates an operating revenue of $50.52 million and operating expenses of $47.09 million for the coming year.
This will result in an operating surplus of $3,429,498, but an overall draft deficit of $1,170,958 once capital expenditure, reserve movements, loan borrowings and other movements are factored in.
Mr Bilske said the draft deficit was largely the result of council co-contributions towards a number of capital works projects which have received external funding.
The deficit will deliver a reduction in council’s working capital to an anticipated level of $6.6 million at 30 June, 2021.
He said the activities forecast in the plans directly respond to the key priorities of the community, while also continuing to maintain service levels.
The draft budget is based on a total rate revenue increase of 2.6 per cent in ordinary rates along with 2.6 per cent for water and sewerage charges.
Key items in the $30,569,250 million draft capital expenditure include:$4,009,200 million Regional Roads$1,070,000 bridge operations$1,094,470 urban roads$107,830 cycleways$303,640 kerb and gutter$350,050 stormwater drainage$415,070 gravel re-sheets$770,000 reseals and heavy patching$534,000 unsealed road construction$2,720,000 roads to recovery program$1,400,000 waste-water$3,435,000 water supply$132,500 parks and gardens$70,960 community halls$240,000 library services$1,796,760 waste management$110,200 town signage$1m industrial land extension