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SPORT
90 years young The community gathered at Cardinia Life to celebrate the 90th birthday of local legend, Pat Harmon, on March 19. Full story on page 5
Pat Harmon (centre) celebrating her 90th birthday. (Garry Sissons: 464940)
Growing deficit By Afraa Kori Cardinia Shire Council is facing a growing financial shortfall, as its latest report reveals a $7.8 million deficit, forecasted to be $3.5 million higher than budget by June 2025. Cr Casey Thompson believes the most important matter in the financial report is the adjusted underlying result, noting a $7.8 million deficit,
which $3.5 million “unfavourable to the adopted budget”. This deficit is driven by changes in the phasing of the capital works program resulting in lower staff capitalisation, and increased material and service costs due to the reclassification of Crown Land expenses from capital work in progress to operating expenses. Additionally, this forecasted position high-
lights the significant impact of non-monetary contributions and capital grants, which are excluded from the underlying deficit. Cr Casey acknowledged that the report might give the impression that the Council has “excess money,” noting that “the word surplus gets thrown around a little bit in this report.”But he clarified that much of it is tied up in grants and developer contributions.
Cr Nickell also pointed out that while the Council appears well-funded with $154 million in cash, $110 million is already allocated, leaving only $44 million available, and this figure is shrinking. He warns that if growth costs continue to outpace funding, ratepayers and services may be impacted. Continued page 2
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