CITY of Kalamunda councillors voted for a 5 per cent general rate increase as part of the new budget at the most recent special council meeting.

The budget was unanimously approved by councillors, but in the lead up to the decision they discussed raising the rates, climate change measures, and cost of living pressures.

At the meeting, councillor David Modolo moved the item related to the submissions ratepayers made for the differential rates in the coming year, including the 5 per cent general rate increase.

In the council minutes, it was noted the submissions made by ratepayers “expressed the view that the city should limit the increase in rates in light of the current cost of living crisis.”

Cr Modolo recognised the city’s heavy reliance on rates and said council should be wary of accepting too many “ribbon cutting” funds from major political parties.

Cr Modolo said “free money” seemed great on paper, but the realistic aftermath was the city being left with new buildings that would affect yearly costs for residents.

“Constantly maintaining our assets and trying to build new ones when it’s so expensive to do anything, is exactly why we keep raising rates,” he said.

“I implore the council to consider carefully what funding we accept in future.”

Cr Modolo also said the recent spends on electric vehicles and tree planting were well intentioned but ill-advised from a big picture and role of local government standpoint.

“(Climate change is) a serious international issue, and needs government action,” he said.

“But we in the City of Kalamunda simply cannot be so naïve or so self-important to think that we can solve the global issue of climate change from our three postcodes.

“In Kalamunda, we spent nearly $220,000 on tree planting last financial year, and this year we’re bragging about buying a couple of expensive electric vehicles.

“We are a local government: our wheelhouse is roads, rubbish, and a few key services to the community. It’s not environmental change.

“(That’s) the job of the people with the real money and power - the state and federal governments, and the UN.”

“Maybe if we stop trying to affect this global crusade from our little corner of the planet, then who knows, maybe we might invest some money so one day we don’t have to hit our ratepayers to go on these little crusades.”

Councillor John Giardina said he’d changed his mind about not supporting this year’s budget as the new focus on investments and other funding methods came as a “breath of fresh air”.

“Councillor Modolo hit the nail on the head,” he said.

“Whether we agree with the climate change stuff and all that, I’m not talking about that.

“(The new chief executive officer) seems to be pretty keen to get involved in these matters when it comes to looking at other facets of funding we can attract.

“I’m very positive at the moment, in this space looking forward for this to happen.

“Hence, I’ve changed my mind and I’m supporting the current budget.”

Councillor Geoff Stallard said he shared Cr Modolo’s compassion for struggling residents but challenged his point on climate change being a responsibility beyond them.

“Whether we agree with climate change or not, I believe we are all responsible for what’s happening, what’s happened already and where we’re going in the future,” he said.

“In spite of what’s been said, and while I agree with a lot of it, I think it’s all our duties to roll up our sleeves and make some changes that will improve our life and lifestyles and stop us from depleting so many resources.”

Mayor Margaret Thomas said she agreed with much of what was said.

“No one wants to put rates up and we worked so hard looking at everything, but we also don’t want to drop services,” she said.

“We’ve all seen how CPI is around the 4 per cent. We had no choice but to bring in a budget (increase).

“Initially it was going to be much higher. We’ve worked really hard to get it to 5 per cent.

“I also concur with Cr Modolo in that we need to look at other sources of revenue.

“We’re doing that this year and I know our new chief executive officer’s on board with that, so watch this space.”