THE BAW BAW Shire Council is unsure how it will raise a required $3.63 million for its liability to a superannuation benefits fund by July next year.
The council received notification of the figure yesterday, which includes over $3.4 million for council employees and $214,000 for the West Gippsland Regional Library’s liability.
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The figure is about 10 per cent of Baw Baw’s total rates revenue, and Baw Baw Shire CEO Helen Anstis said the council is unsure of how it will pay.
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“This is a huge issue, not just for Baw Baw but for all councils and many other municipal authorities,” Ms Anstis said.
“Obviously we’re hoping that Municipal Association of Victoria can persuade state and federal governments to assist councils with this financial burden.”
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“In all honesty, if Baw Baw is required to pay a lump sum of $3.6 million in eleven months I cannot tell you where that money will come from.”
“We’ve budgeted $750,000, but as for the rest, I just don’t know. I can tell you that we’re determined to avoid borrowing the money if we can.”
Ms Anstis today told ABC Gippsland the council was told to only expect a liability of around $750,000.
The benefits fund ended in 1993.
I am surprised to learn of the Baw Baw Shire Superannuation Liability. Wasn’t this budgeted for? How long has the CEO known about this and is this the reason behind the huge rate rise?
Is there something strange about this! The benefits fund ended in 1993, yet the council need to find $3.4 million. Why? Could someone please enlighten me…
11% rate increase, $M3.6 super shortfall, perhaps the Auditor General should investigate BBSC $$ spends – just like the thousands wasted on Walhalla’s Ljustfest. Time to purge Council of the dead wood and witchety grubs.
From what I understand, correct me if I am wrong someone, there are something like 23 retired members in Baw Baw Shire still under this superannuation scheme which they benefit from until their death and then it passes on to their spouse until their death. What a super scheme. how does the private sector get onto this?
I think it comes under the Municipal Association. If so it is time for the Shire CEO to cancel membership with this organisation!