The impact of the Mayor's budget proposal
UPDATE: While many Councillors spoke against aspects of the Mayoral proposal, in the end it was supported by all but one Councillor, and so will now go out for public consultation in late-Feb/March. Unbelievably, no councillors put forward any amendments.
Some aspects will not be consulted on and are now effectively approved with staff to work out the exact details, including the reduction in rubbish bins, a lower level of service for garden maintenance and mowing, public transport fare increase, increase in entrance fees and reduction of opening hours for the Zoo, Art Gallery, etc. We'll need to wait to see the detail on when those kick in.
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Today Councillors are considering the Mayor's budget proposal which would slash a large number of Council services and assets from June 2023. This is to plug a budget hole while keeping rates low. The public will get to have their say in February/March and the budget will apply from July.
If adopted, all local boards, including the Kaipātiki Local Board, could face a significant cut to our Opex budgets that we use to fund libraries, leisure centres, community centres, local events (ANZAC Day services, Christmas Parades, Movies in Parks, Summer Fun, etc) as well as funding a number of organisations to deliver community and environmental services at a lower cost than Council could provide.
The Kaipātiki Local Board gave substantial feedback on the Mayoral Proposal (attached). All local boards (including Kaipātiki) were denied speaking rights at today's meeting.
Other gems:
* Removal of around 3000 rubbish bins [not to be consulted on]
* Less garden maintenance, with an expected increase in weeds [not to be consulted on]
* Less mowing of turf - 2.5cm higher (it isn't clear if this includes sportsfields) [not to be consulted on]
* Council no longer running Kauri Kids (including Glenfield, Birkdale, Beach Haven) which could mean closure or commercialisation
* Not reinstating public transport services that have been removed recently due to bus driver shortages, etc.
* Increasing public transport prices by 6.5% (probably on top of the increase when the half-price fares end) [not to be consulted on]
* Ending ALL regional grants (inc environment, heritage, sports, arts).
* Changes to entrance fees and/or hours for the Zoo, Art Gallery, Maritime Museum, Stadiums, etc.
* Reducing stormwater maintenance [not to be consulted on]
* Numerous other cuts or changes, including to the arts, CAB, group fitness, and much more.
You can watch the meeting here:
www.youtube.com...
The Mayor's proposal:
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
Staff advice on how to achieve the Mayor's proposal:
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.4% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
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