Council approves draft budget

Monique Basson

Kouga Express, 29 March 2012-03-30

THE Council yesterday approved a draft operating budget of just more than R517 million for 2012/2013 at a meeting in Jeffreys Bay.

This is R48,5-million or 10% more than the 2011/2012 adjustment bud-get of R468,5-million. The new financial year starts in July.

Kouga Executive Mayor Booi Koerat was applauded by the Council for giving a frank account of the municipality’s financial position before tabling the draft budget.

“When we came into Council last year, I don’t believe any of us had an idea of the dire financial situation facing the municipality. There were serious cash-flow problems due to, among other things, declining collection rates and historic expenditure patterns,” he reported to Council,” said Koerat.

“Over the past ten months we have started doing things smarter. A full financial recovery plan is in place and we are already seeing positive results.” Click here to read more.