
Hurunui council's annual plan approved
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.

Poll: Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?
Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?

-
36.2% Yes, it serves us well
-
63% No, I have concerns
-
0.8% Other - I'll share below

Show us your projects
Whether it's craft, haberdashery, woodwork or upcycling, we'd love to see what you've been working on lately.
You may even spark someone else's creativity...
Tell us about your current project or show us a picture in the comments below...


🎉The Riddler wants to hear from you 🫵
Hello, dearest riddle fiends 😈
You might have noticed we've been doing a few different things recently on The Neighbourly Ridder...
We took your thoughts from our last check-in and made some changes, left the riddles up for longer, as well as added some brand new rebus riddles to perplex your processor, and we wanted to know what you think 🤔
Are you a fan of the changes, or liked the way it was last time?
Is keeping the comments open longer so people can enjoy them more going well, or did you like it when we had a daily riddle?
Are you liking the new style of riddles? Would you like to keep them going, have more, or get rid of them?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below 👀
Your ideas could help shape the next chapter of our riddles! 🧩
