GEORGE NEWS - The George Municipality has adopted its 2025/26 Adjustment Budget during a special council meeting last Friday, 27 February, introducing key changes aimed at strengthening service delivery, job creation and safety across the city.
Presenting the budget, Mayor Browen Johnson described it as "responsive governance in action", emphasising that it is not simply a compliance exercise, but a practical response to residents' concerns.
Central to the adjustment is a R103.3m increase in the operating budget, alongside a R79.5m boost to the capital budget (big projects and infrastructure).
Lower power sales
The municipality expects to receive less money from electricity sales as residents and businesses are using less power. However, that shortfall is being balanced out by higher income from property rates and service charges (more properties and growth in the area), more operating grants from other spheres of government, and more interest earned on invested funds.
Johnson said the municipality's finances are still stable and well managed, and that they are planning carefully and not overspending. "This budget is about stability in uncertain times," he said. "It is about listening, adjusting, and delivering."
Job creation
A major focus is employment through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Council will establish an EPWP oversight committee to improve trans-parency, while 120 additional EPWP opportunities have been created: 20 for environmental management in areas such as the green belt, and 100 funded through national support to clean water bodies.
Backyard dwellers
Safety and dignity also feature prominently. More than R2m has been ear-marked for innovative safety support structures and assistance for backyard dwellers, including exploring alternative housing technologies.
An additional R800 000 will be invested in CCTV infrastructure to strengthen crime prevention.
On infrastructure, the capital adjust-ments include R44.7m in bridge financing to ensure continued progress on George Integrated Public Transport Network street projects, while R5.8m is allocated to finalise the compost plant to reduce landfill pressure.
Funding has also been set aside to upgrade community halls and the Rosedale area office following direct community engagement.
Uniondale residents will benefit from R50 000 in support for the Mayoral Easter Tournament.
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