Positive investments and alternative sources of income has allowed Council to limit rates increases despite rising costs.
The City has been able to limit the increase to rates to just 3.5 per cent due to other positive sources of income such as The Quarter despite rising costs impacting the City including insurance premiums rising by 10.9 per cent.
The 3.5 per cent increase to the rate in the dollar, in line with inflation, and works out at roughly $1.63 a week for residential ratepayers.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said the City was aware of the rising cost of living impacting residents, however these costs had also impacted the City.
“Council has worked hard to reduce its reliance on rates, with most of its revenue sourced from government grants, the private sector, investments, and fees and charges,” Cr Scott said.
“This rates model meets the anticipated revenue requirements of the 2024/25 Budget and is equivalent to just $1.63 a week for residential ratepayers.
Mayor Scott said alternative sources of income helped the City absorb the majority of the cost increases without passing them onto residents.
"Other sources of income like property investments, grants, and fees and charges provide positive alternative revenue sources that reduce reliance on rates meaning residents are not hit as hard by rising costs to the City.
“Our investment in The Quarter is one of the ways we are able to reduce our reliance on rates, with the profit from The Quarter reducing the required rate increase by 3.75%.
“This will allow us to provide ongoing upgrades and renewal of facilities, meet community demands, maintain service levels and support for development within our region.”