Prince Albert Ratepayers' & Residents' Association

The 2012/2013 Municipal Budget

July 1^st marked the beginning of the new municipal financial year.  And a look at the budget makes interesting reading. The total operating budget is R46,4 million (rounded off) of which nine million is for capital expenditure and a surplus of R3 200.00 is expected. Just over half the budget, R23,7 million, will come from the Provincial and National treasuries. 

The poorest of the poor will be subsidised to the tune of R2,7million. Municipal employees’ wages will account for R11,13 million (around 30% of the total budget) - slightly down from last year. Income from rates and services is expected to be about R18,6million with a payment rate of 90%. At the end of June 2011 R5,5million was owed to the Prince Albert Municipality (PAM) in outstanding accounts.  And of that, R3,5million had been outstanding for more than three months. Deceased estates are a contributing factor in that the deceased’s municipal accounts are not closed off. Surviving family members, are encouraged to contact PAM’s accounts’ department on such matters.  The good news is that, despite hard times and rising costs, outstanding payments has increased by just 2% over the 2011/2012 financial year. So the PAM is grateful to those who pay regularly and on time every month.

Expected income from traffic fines is R2.6million, but almost immediately wiped out by councillors’ remuneration of R2,17million. Due to a lack of funds, only R1,2 million has been allocated to repairs and maintenance... a situation that council hopes to remedy sooner rather than later. Direct income from the sale of electricity will be R10,7 million offset by a payment of R6,7million to ESCOM for the service. (Which, sadly, doesn’t mean a fat profit as there are many expenses to be met in the provision of that service.)

Increases in property rates and water are 9,6% and 10% respectively, while electricity will rise by 10% per basic charge and 11,03% for usage. The charge for pre-paid meters will increase by 11,03%.

As you may know, the system of emptying conservancy tanks has changed. In the past residents phoned the municipality to have their tanks emptied and paid accordingly. Now a monthly levy of R91.20 (R80 plus VAT) per household will be charged and tanks will be emptied every month. (A slightly different tariff applies to businesses and guesthouses.)

Some areas of Prince Albert have been on the waterborne system for a few years, and the monthly levy for that will increase by 7%. The PAM anticipates that the whole town will be put onto the waterborne system eventually as detailed in the current Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The cost of this is huge but would be met by provincial government.

Ward Committee Reporting

Make a note that Barbara Castle represents members of this Association on the Ward Committee, and will raise issues with the relevant ward councillor on behalf of members.

After each monthly Ward Committee meeting Barbara will report back on projects under discussion and progress on members’ issues. To communicate quickly and directly with members email is the preferred channel. So please make sure we have your address by mailing pa.rra@iafrica.com with WARD COMMITTEE in the subject line. Upcoming Ward Committee meetings are scheduled for 7^th August and 5^th September.