Have your say on the delivery program
Over the past few days there has been a range of commentary in relation to Council's draft Delivery Program 2018-2021 including the Operational Plan 2018/19 which is currently on public exhibition. There has been a particular focus on services such as the Maitland Regional Art Gallery.There is a wide range of initiatives and services in the draft $144 million balanced budget. The table below provides an indication of the forecast end of year results for a range of services provided by Maitland City Council for the 2018/19 financial year. The forecast net result for each of these incorporates a distribution of overheads such as workers compensation and administrative costs. In some instances, the figures also include the cost of servicing loans for construction of facilities.
| Estimated Net Operating Results for Year End 30 June 2019 | Operating Expense $'000 | Operating Income $'000 | Net Result $'000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libraries | 3,010 | 308 | (2,702) |
| Art gallery | 2,425 | 457 | (1,968) |
| Community centres and halls | 3,106 | 192 | (2,914) |
| Sporting grounds and venues | 4,518 | 84 | (4,434) |
| Swimming pools | 2,275 | 646 | (1,629) |
| Parks and gardens | 3,777 | 114 | (3,663) |
| Roads, bridges and footpaths | 21,776 | 3,061 | (18,715) |
| Linemarking, bus shelters, pedestrian refuges, etc | 1,749 | 128 | (1,621) |
The table also shows the relative cost of these services and importantly, demonstrates that Council's services to the community come at a cost. Council is a service provider and whilst always taking a business based approach to the management and delivery of services, it's not appropriate to suggest that Council makes a loss on any of these services. Put simply, Council is not a profit and loss driven organisation but one that is there for the community and with the responsibility to meet as many of the needs of the entire community as possible.
Council always has, and will continue, to do this in the confines of a balanced budget. I encourage you to take a look at the draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan and make submissions in relation to any or all of Council's proposed activities in the coming year and over the term of Council. Submissions are open until 27 May 2018.