Local Government NSW Board have announced that they have a vacancy on the Board having accepted the resignation of ex Rural/Regional Vice President, Cr Lindsay Brown. While Lindsay was re-elected at this year's Local Government Conference he wasn’t supported for the position of president. Brown is still a councillor for Eurobodalla Shire Council, having previously served as mayor for four years (2012–2016). His resignation will hopefully now give him more time to focus on Eurobodalla Council matters. Lindsay Brown is also a director on the Local Government Super Board as of 5 September 2017 joining the board of the $10 billion fund to represent Local Government NSW. He also holds the external board position of a director at StateCover Mutual Limited and is the Vice Chair of South East NSW Some readers and councillors might be interested in the following in regards to the many discussions in these pages about the controversial submission put forward by Councillor Lindsay Brown (then Mayor) to the Formal Deputation to General Purpose Standing Committee No. 6–Inquiry into Local Government in New South Wales in regards to shifting rate calculations from Land Value to Capital Improvement Value or CIV and the revision of pensioner rates rebates. The Eurobodalla Ratepayers Association, in their blog wrote at the time: Thursday, September 10, 2015 Mayor considers Capital Improved Value as an alternate to raise more rates Mayor Lindsay Brown has indicated in his submission to the the NSW Legislative Council’s inquiry into local government his interest in considering a move away from land rates based on unimproved value to capital improved value, which refers to the total market value of the land and improved value of the property and that rate exemptions such as pensioner rebates should be reviewed for sustainability and equity The ERA was surprised to learn that Mayor Lindsay Brown made a submission without any community consultation to the NSW Legislative Council’s inquiry into local government. You can find the full submission and the excellent Letter to the Editor (in full) by Kerry Foster HERE Eurobodalla Council have still not posted a copy of Cr Brown’s statement to the NSW Legislative Council to their website however it is available to read HERE. Lindsay Brown's suggestion is on par with Victorian models that rate under this model, known to General Manager Catherine Dale. Such a move would have a major impact on many in this shire and for Lindsay Brown to suggest it in an official Eurobodalla Council submission without consultation still leaves a very sour taste to those who remember. The idea came about as Council looked to increase its revenue prior to seeking and being given the go-ahead for a 21% increase in the General Rate under a Special Rate Variation. Council are restricted to how much they can increase the general rate so they are always looking for alternate ways to raise more revenue, most often by lifting fees and charges on water, sewer and services. There are several yet to be confirmed rumours that Council has been discussing, once again behind closed doors, a business tax which will be interesting to watch unfurl if it goes ahead.
