Speaking after council adopted its draft 2014 operational plan at an extraordinary council meeting on Monday, general manger Ngaire McCrindle said hard decisions had to be made.

Ms McCrindle said the operational plan and  budget had been developed within “tight financial constraints”. 

“The rate pegging cap of 2.3 per cent for the 2014-15 year has delivered a number of challenges for council – expenses such as

electricity, petrol, insurance, and road construction materials have all risen by well over the rate pegging cap,” Ms McCrindle said.

“Council has spent a considerable amount of time and effort in developing a budget and operational plan of works that seeks to meet community expectations and aspirations as identified in the strategic plan and delivery program within a very tight budget. 

“Hard decisions have had to be made, however I am happy with the outcome and keen to hear the views of the community,” she said.

The documents are now on public display. 

Comments on the documents will be received by council up to close of business on June 18.

The draft documents, together with submissions received, will then be put to council for consideration and final adoption prior to June 30.

Copies of the documents are available at the council chambers, Bombala Library, Delegate Progress Association offices and the Cathcart Store. 

They are also available on the council’s website at www.bombala.nsw.gov.au

Ms McCrindle said the documents identified council’s plans for the delivery of services and infrastructure improvements until June 2017. 

“They form part of the suite of documents council is required to produce under the integrated planning and reporting requirements of the NSW government and have been developed following community consultation,” she said.