In response to Andy- 31/Aug/16 Sunraysia Daily
Andy if the Rate Payers just plucked figures out of the air- you would be very critical.
You want, and suggest mass sackings of executive’s staff or reduced services, which the rate payers association nor myself, advocate for rate reductions within the next 4 years
The vision for the new councillors and the rate payers Association is to encourage council to look at “business practices as happened in 2012/13, saving $1million?
In addition, it will be suggested that the EBA for MRCC staff wages increases needs to be more in line with CPI increase of 1.5% or as has been in past support a freeze on wage increases for a period.
Wages for MRCC staff actual over 3 years will increase by 4.5% – CPI at moment is at Aug 16, 2016 – The seasonally adjusted Wage Price Index (WPI) rose 0.5 per cent in the June quarter 2016 and 2.1 per cent over the year, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This is the same result as in March quarter 2016. – is this a place to start re Wage Constraint . In Mildura living expenses
EMPLOYEE HOUSEHOLDS (+0.3%)
The living cost index for employee households rose 0.3% in the June quarter 2016. The main contributor to the rise for employee households is in health (+2.2%). The rise is due to increases in private health insurance premiums from 1 April. Transport (+1.1%) also contributed to the rise, driven by increases in unleaded, premium and ethanol fuels, as world oil prices increased from a 12-year low last quarter to over $US45 at the end of May.
Recreation and culture (-0.6%) contributed the most significant partial offset this quarter, driven by domestic holiday travel and accommodation. Falling accommodation and airfare prices reflect the softening demand during the winter period.
The LCI for employee households recorded a smaller rise than the CPI (+0.4%) this quarter. Employee households do not include new dwelling purchase by owner-occupiers, which rose this quarter, driven by increasing material costs in some cities.
Over the last twelve months the LCI for employee households rose 1.0% while the CPI rose 1.0%.
Employment of new staff, unless replacing an existing position which should be reviewed as was the current CEO position and entitlements were reviewed to previous CEO entitlements
Paper work, documents, stats and salary trends are always cuts and savings in making relevant in responsible financial decisions that impact services.
I believe that Mildura Development Corporation and Mildura Tourism amalgamated will provide substantial savings not as Mark Corey suggests privatized
If we are looking for Savings the most likely savings are in Council top heavy wages and entitlements which has been apparent in the past – not services or council infrastructure but wages and department structures.
