Hepburn Shire Council is required under the Local Government Act to use the Victorian Electoral Commission for electoral services, and has written up a new agreement the council is essentially hamstrung to accept.

The costs have increased since 2012 – which cost $100,079 plus $6,706 for enforcement – mainly due to a change in model, but also partly due to the recent Australia Post price hikes.

Previously under a “hub” model, City of Ballarat was responsible for more of the costs, but under a new “satellite” model, Hepburn Shire Council is required to foot more of the bill, particularly in terms of renting an election office space.

The VEC has reported its costs had increased due to increased postage costs, IT infrastructure and increased rates of pay for staff as well as electricity and other utility costs.

This year, Hepburn Shire’s election will cost $159,704 plus $11,088 for compulsory voting enforcement, excluding GST.

There is also an estimated return of $18,930 from non-voter infringement payments.

Hepburn Shire Council CEO Aaron van Egmond said there was no choice but to approve the changed agreement.

“We have no option other than to utilise the VEC and our costs have increased by 60 per cent,” he said.

Mayor Neil Newitt said the council had questioned the VEC about the reasons for the price hike.

“Each time there’s a cost to council, we want to make sure we’re getting value for money,” he said.

“When something like this comes along and it’s mandated and it looks to be about 60 per cent, we’ve got to ask the question –  why the increase?”

The local council election for Hepburn Shire will take place this year on October 22.