Manjimup council vote to increase the shire’s fees and charges by 2.5 per cent across various services

A South West shire is looking to keep the cost of services low with Manjimup councillors voting unanimously last month to increase the shire’s fees and charges by 2.5 per cent across various services. While many of the fees saw no increase, or changed by just a few cents or dollars, services such as hiring the Manjimup Art Gallery for local artists increased from $125 to $140 per week. Entry to the Manjimup Regional AquaCentre jumped slightly with a 12-month family membership to the pool increasing from $1048 to $1074 and a 12-month group fitness adult membership increasing from $760 to $779. Overall the cost to the Indoor sporting pavilion decreased within the budget, with the occasional hire of courts from commercial, private or government bodies decreasing from $125 to $50. Councillor Wade De Campo said, in quoting, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio the idea more taxes and more spending is the best way to help middle class taxpayers was an old idea that has failed every time it has been tried. “In this item we have kept it fiscally sound and kept our increases to a minimum,” Cr De Campo said. “I think ratepayers will be genuinely surprised by the small increase in our fees and charges that are a part of this budget.” It comes as rates, fees and charges also see an increase in other South West shires ahead of local governments needing to advertise their yearly rates and budgets.