Council welcomes guidance from Office of Local Government
Published on 20 December 2024
Yass Valley Council welcomed Mr Brett Whitworth from the Office of Local Government (OLG) during Thursday’s council meeting. During his visit, he provided valuable advice and guidance to support the Council in its work to strengthen its current financial position and plan for the future.
In Mr Whitworth's address to councillors, he referenced the Council’s extensive work with the OLG over the past 18 months, particularly commending the significant efforts made in the last two months to gain a clearer picture of its financial situation. Whilst he emphasised the seriousness of the Council’s current financial position - notably the need to better manage the operational budgets and prepare for increased Crago Mill loan repayments next year - he acknowledged that the Council is in a stable short-term position, with sufficient cash reserves to meet its immediate commitments.
Looking ahead, it was evident that the reliance on using internally restricted funds (earmarked for other projects) to cover excess operational costs needed to be addressed. This provided an opportunity to review the delicate balance between services expected by the community and the appropriate level of fees and charges to sustain those services.
The OLG encouraged Council to “pull every lever” to balance the books while continuing to deliver essential services for the community. Strategies explored by other councils in similar positions include borrowing funds, selling land, adjusting service levels, or increasing rates.
Confidence was expressed in the Council’s ability to navigate these challenges, particularly with the arrival of a new Chief Financial Officer in the New Year and the ongoing recruitment process for a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Mayor Jasmin Jones shared her determination to ensure Council responds quickly and appropriately to build a clear roadmap to financial sustainability.
“The newly elected Council has pivoted quickly and has already taken steps to ensure an independent financial review has commenced.
"Our focus is securing a new CEO, working with Council's newly appointed Chief Financial Officer to review our spending priorities, service delivery and level, rates and fee structures, possible income through business opportunities and ultimately ensuring everyone is engaged in the discussions. There is a wealth of knowledge and goodwill in our community to support council to turn this around. Together, we can.”
Mayor Jones expressed her appreciation and confidence in Acting CEO Ms Julie Costa who was reappointed in the acting position at the December 19th meeting of Council.
"Ms Costa has the support of all councillors in what is undeniably a challenging time and role. Over the past month, Ms Costa has demonstrated her full commitment to the task ahead, and a genuine care and leadership of the team," Mayor Jones affirmed.
In the New Year, the Council plans to conduct budget reviews, engage with the community and consult on the next steps.
“While tough decisions lie ahead - and we’ll need to prepare the community for some challenging conversations - we are now on the right path to secure the Council’s long-term financial stability while delivering the best possible services for Yass Valley,” Mayor Jones added.
Watch Mr. Whitworth's address here.
Full details of the minutes and financial reports are available in the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 19 December 2024.