Thabazimbi 2013/14 budget opposed because of incompetence of councilors
By Jan Viljoen – Thabazimbi Chairpersons Forum
The Thabazimbi Municipal Budget was approved for 2013/14 on 31 May 2013, by the Councilors. The consequences of the approval of this budget have direct influence on every inhabitant of Thabazimbi and the area falling within the jurisdiction of this municipality.
Much has been written the past two weeks about the budget which has been approved, to be implemented on 1 July 2013. It was clearly stated that the approval of this budget indicates either the lack of commitment or it could be as a result of incompetence of councilors. The increase of residential property rates by 19% and more, the 100% plus increase in electricity supply to business and commercial users are only part of the problem. If we have to analyse the budget in depth, the mentioned items are the pinnacle of the iceberg.
To be remembered, all councilors are remunerated for the work been done. It is only then fair that ratepayers get a reasonable return on the tax they are paying. Unfortunately it is not the case. The 2013/14 approved municipal budget is a proof that this expectation is a fallacy.
In the ideal world, it is expected that each councilor comes prepared to the council meeting. The total lack of commitment of some councillors is demonstrated by the fact that on arrival at the council meeting, most of them still had their budget documents still sealed in the envelope it was delivered.
The same councilors then without exception voted for approval of the budget. The question is: How did they apply their mind to the contents?
Some councilors did not even attend this most important meeting of the year. In essence, the budget can only be approved once all evidence in the budget has been analysed and found correct and sustainable once implemented. All evidence available indicate that the above mentioned is too much of an effort and of no consequence to the councilors. The following are some of the problems demonstrating this;
• The property tax payable was approved without the rates been reflected in the budget. How is it then possible to calculate the impact of property tax on rate payers not having this information available The dear consequence of this action is that property tax increases by 19% for residential property having its market valuation been increased by 60%. During the same meeting rate payers is assured that the increase is limited to 5,6% by the mayor. What has now been approved?
• The cost of electricity supply to commercial and businesses increases by more than 100%
• The budget reflects that the increase on sanitation services increases by 12%, 10% or 5.6%. The question then is what figure was approved by councilors
It is time that residents start to ask for explanations. It is also time that residents pool their resources to oppose incompetent decisions been made on their behalf. For this, Thabazimbi Tax Payers Association, the Thabazimbi Chamber of Commerce or AFRI Forum must pull together.
