Jack Hudson

DOG registration in the Playford area has gone up from $65 to $75 after councillors voted in favour of the change at the April ordinary council meeting.

Playford Council will also continue to apply a 50 per cent discount for dogs that fall under the “standard dog” category.

There is a fee-free registration period for new dogs from June 1 to 30 each year.

Councillor Clint Marsh said at the April meting that council had been reasonable in freezing the fees for the past five years.

“I think the City of Playford have done quite reasonable in their approach of freezing these fees for some five years, I think,” he said.

“Credit to this chamber, where through COVID-19, the recommendation for us to increase these fees through that period, it was the chamber which decided not to proceed with that.

“I think there’s a point in time where we’ve got to find out if the balance sheet isn’t adding up and there’s a bit of red showing in a service we’re providing. There’s a need to address a small increment in this service.

“What I do like, though, is the City of Playford with the relief they provide.

“There’s an incredible discount for those who have pension cards or veteran cards. When the fees do go up, we show some strong advertisement on those discounts that are offered to our residents.”

Councillor Gay Smallwood-Smith called a division, with Councillors David Kerrison, Shirley Halls, Misty Norris and Stephen Coppins joining her in voting against the motion.

Councillors Marsh, Marilyn Baker, Veronica Gossink, Jane Onuzans, Peter Rentoulis, Cathy- Jo Tame and Andrew Craig voted for the move.