Hurunui council's annual plan approved

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Revenue and expenditure exceeded expectations as the Hurunui District Council came through the 2021-22 financial year with an operating surplus of $5.5 million.

The council adopted its 2021-22 annual report on Tuesday, November 29.

Revenue for the year was $61.1 million, $7.65 million above the budget, while operating expenses totalled $55.6 million, which was $6.7 million higher than expected.

The extra revenue was due to wages subsidies received during last year’s lockdown, emergency roading funding following the heavy rain events, development contributions from three subdivisions in Amberley and the increased value of council assets.

Wage costs were higher than expected, while the rain events and depreciation costs added to the council’s expenditure.

Chief financial officer Jason Beck said roading had a big impact, with a 30% increase in costs in the new roading contract contributing to the 10.5% rates increase adopted in June.

‘‘The increase to the value of the roading assets was 58%, pushing the value of the roading assets from $267 million to $421 million,’’ he said.

The council’s debt remained at $38 million throughout the year, lower than the $41.5 million anticipated in the budget.

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