YARRA Ranges' next council already has its first task lined up — to seek assistance in paying its $13 million superannuation fund bill.
The current council last month voted against applying for a $27 million loan to fund the payment, with Cr Len Cox saying it should be a job for the next council to address. The council is facing a $13 million bill to the now-defunct Local Authorities Superannuation Fund.
The fund, which was discontinued in 1993, provides that local government employees who were under the scheme will get a guaranteed amount when they retire. This means councils are forced to top up the fund intermittently when investments sour, such as in times of economic crisis.
Council officers said the council may need to borrow up to $27 million to help pay the bill, but Cr Cox questioned this, saying $18 million should be the maximum loan the next council could ask for.
The council also voted in favour of a motion from Cr Terry Avery calling for the federal government to improve its funding to local governments. Cr Avery said: "If we don't do something, rates in this municipality will become unaffordable."