THE City of Kalamunda has approved a 5 per cent rise to general and minimum rates, despite community concerns about affordability during a cost-of-living crisis.

The proposed rates were advertised for public comment in May.

At the June 24 meeting the council said submissions raised concern about the increase and perceptions that Kalamunda’s rates were among the highest.

“There was also comment the city’s rates are one of the highest which is incorrect as noted through the benchmarking exercise conducted,” the agenda stated.

“The city’s general rate, which incorporates residential properties, was 9 per cent lower than the average for general rates and 17 per cent lower for the minimum rate applicable for this category.

“It is not proposed to amend the advertised differential rates as a consequence of the submissions received.”

Corporate services director Gary Ticehurst said staff and elected members had worked closely on the budget with a focus on efficiencies and asset renewal.

“The aim has been to gradually increase our focus on asset renewal expenditure to extend the life of our assets and to reduce the future risk of unplanned maintenance through that budget process,” he said.

“We’ve interrogated each cost in the budget and have taken opportunities where we can to identify savings.”