Cr Rose Fights for Better Value on Your Rates #201.2

Greater accountability, transparency, and measurable value for YOUR rates.

Cr Rose Fights for Better Value on Your Rates #201.2

At the July Snowy Monaro Council meeting, Councillor Reuben Rose took a stand for what many in the community have long been asking for: greater accountability, transparency, and measurable value for their rates.

Amid warnings in the latest Financial Sustainability Review about high-risk levels in asset management, financial sustainability, and community confidence, Cr Rose moved a motion to ensure Council was proactively tracking efficiency savings, updating revenue modelling—particularly around Special Rate Variations—and engaging the community early on tough service level trade-offs.

It was a practical, forward-looking motion—but not everyone saw it that way.

Councillor Davis argued that the motion was unnecessary because the issues were already “in the pipeline” and suggested that continually requesting reports was pulling staff away from their work. More curiously, she added:

“Community confidence comes down to us having confidence in the council and actually expressing that well and having a positive outlook.”

To some, this sentiment might sound like unity. To others, it reeks of magical thinking—a philosophy which prioritizes image over accountability. That’s simply not good governance—that’s leading ratepayers down a garden path to their own financial demise.

Cr Rose, by contrast, made it clear that scrutiny is not sabotage—it’s the duty of elected officials.

“Councillors are elected to raise concerns and represent their communities. Debate and scrutiny are not obstacles to reform. They are part of it,” he said.

He even took the time to dissect the Community Satisfaction Survey —suggesting more community support for efficiency-based reforms than the official narrative let on.

When asked by the CEO to consider removing part of his motion to avoid duplication with upcoming State Government reforms, Cr Rose showed flexibility without surrendering the core aim: value for money and honesty with the public.

“There’s no more important issue for our community than this,” Rose concluded, referring to the SRV and the need for clear, transparent financial modelling going forward.

While others may prefer carefully managed optics and internal assurances, Cr Rose is calling for something different: realism, clarity, and respect for the public’s right to know where their money is going.

In a council too often bogged down by self-congratulation and defensiveness, it’s refreshing to see at least one councillor focused on the numbers—not the narrative.