Willoughby City
Willoughby City Council has strengthened its financial recovery from COVID impacts upon its revenue, which have totalled $14m over the past 15 months.
The Quarterly Budget Review Statement for the March quarter 2020/21 was presented to Council on Monday night.
Council’s 2020/21 budget anticipated a deficit of $3m. Through careful financial management, that deficit has been reduced to $0.9m with Council aiming for a balanced budget now at 30 June 2021.
Council has adapted to a rapidly changing environment, continuing to deliver services and focussing on reducing variable costs, saving $7.2 million in the process.
“Council is now in a sound and sustainable financial position and can continue to meet our obligations now and into the future,” said Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney.
Willoughby City
As part of its streamlined Grants and Awards for the Community program, Willoughby City Council last week voted to introduce an annual Business Award.
“This is in recognition of our local businesses that make a significant contribution to the local economy,” said Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney.
“The aim of the grants program is to support our local services to meet the needs of our diverse Willoughby community.”
Applying for a grant in the Willoughby City Council area will now be easier than ever, thanks to the integrated approach to the grants application process.
“Consolidating of grants, awards and performing arts subsidies will now make it easier for the Willoughby community to apply.”
NR council makes plans for 2021
NEW RICHLAND
Editor
A lot was discussed at the recent special meeting of the New Richland City Council Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Originally scheduled as a workforce meeting, the first items on the agenda were the cause for the name of the meeting to be changed.
During the previous week’s council meeting, Chris Schlaak proposed that the City cover former ambulance worker Monica Schutrop’s EMT refresher course. The idea was quickly shot down.
“I don’t think it’s going to take much discussion because she isn’t a city employee anymore,” stated Mayor Gail Schmidt. “It wouldn’t set a good precedent. What would stop other former city workers from coming forward with similar requests?”