COLLIE ratepayers are set to experience a lower rate rise than other surrounding shires and cities, with rates to increase by about 4.6 per cent on last year's amount.
"A 4.59% increase is a good result given our circumstances," Mr Blurton said.
Shire chief executive David Blurton said households in the Collie and Allanson townsites will pay an average of $43 more this financial year, while rural property owners will see an increase of $37.
"A 4.59% increase is a good result given our circumstances," Mr Blurton said.
The rate increase is the lowest since 2011-12, and is less than last year's nine per cent rise and 2012-13's 6.8 per cent increase.
The rise could have been as low as two per cent, however council elected to spend an extra $156,000 on a series of other projects, adding up to a total infrastructure spend of $21.3 million in the 2014-15 draft budget.
"[Extra spending has] been offset to a large extent by the rating issue with the Bluewater's Power station being resolved." Mr Blurton said.
The resolution of the Bluewaters Power Station rates stoush has boosted the Shire's coffers by over $1.7m, with the money to help fund the Collie Swimming Pool redevelopment, LIA depot relocation and the new Collie Motorplex drag strip.
Other infrastructure works include funding for the completion of outstanding SuperTowns projects, major road works on Piavanini, Mornington and Powerhouse roads, refurbishment of the Bradbury Road Bridge, and the construction of a
truck assembly area opposite the Federal Hotel.
"This year's budget has been negatively impacted by another $200,000 loss in Federal Assistance Grants revenue and forecast increases in power and water expenses of around six per cent and insurance costs of 5.1 per cent," Mr Blurton said.
By way of comparison, Dardanup Shire's rates will increase by 6.5 per cent, while Capel and Bunbury's are expected to increase by eight and 6.5 per cent respectively.
The 2014-15 draft budget was finalised at the last Shire Council meeting on July 8 and is expected to be adopted at the next meeting on July 29.
The budget document is available on the Collie Shire website at www.collie.wa.gov.au