Public Calls for Revenue Reforms in Upcoming MCC Budget

During a consultation meeting on the forthcoming Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) budget, residents expressed frustration over the exclusion of their revenue-boosting suggestions in past budgets. The meeting, chaired by Mayor Manoj Kumar, saw participants urging the inclusion of practical proposals to enhance MCC’s financial health.

Unheeded Proposals
Activist Hanumanth Kamath voiced disappointment that his recommendations, submitted over the past 12 years, were consistently overlooked. He proposed service taxes on educational institutions, increased tax rates for builders, and recovery of water bill arrears, which stand at approximately Rs 60 crore. Kamath also suggested revising stagnant hoarding rental rates and renting out stalls in newly built markets at Urwa, Kadri, and Alake.

Infrastructure and Environmental Concerns
GK Bhat urged MCC to allocate funds for constructing a bus terminal at Pumpwell near Mahaveer Circle and rebuilding bus shelters, including one removed near University College, Hampankatta. Another participant advocated for taxation on private hostels and paying guest accommodations to generate additional revenue.

Sustainability Measures
One significant recommendation was implementing household and apartment-level composting to reduce transportation and processing costs. Participants also stressed the importance of allocating funds for the upkeep of Gujjarakere and other city lakes.

Written Proposals
Several attendees submitted written suggestions to the mayor, calling for a more inclusive and action-oriented budget that addresses the city’s financial, infrastructural, and environmental needs.