Coast regional council bumps up rates 10%
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council has increased rates by 10%.
But it has excluded a planned inflation adjustment of 2.3% as signalled in the long-term plan.
Last year rates went up 30%.
Faced with an overall 12.3% increase this year, chief executive Heather Mabin told councillors it was not too late to amend the budget and revert "to a true 10%".
Cr Peter Ewen said the council needed to keep faith with the ratepayers.
"That to me is a public contract."
The council needed to address rising costs, which included compliance costs that were "a Government imposition" and directly affected ratepayers.
"There are some other things there we have got to address. It's never easy to cut costs but it's something we've got to get used to," Ewen said.
As an example, the council should be claiming back from the Government the full costs of formulating the combined district plan for the region, as it was now a national pilot.
"If we roll over and take it, why are we here? I don't mind being the guinea pig [but] it's another version of being set up to fail because the rates are going to be so high."
Cr Debra Magner said the council had to consider the risks in not cost adjusting, with projects and statutory obligations looming.
"It isn't just a matter of saying we can cut [2.3%] out without consequences."
Cr Stuart Challenger said he was mindful of the impact on ratepayers but the council had to meet its obligations.
"My concern is if we didn't have rate rises, and all of a sudden we have to make up for it. We need to cut our costs but we need to make sure we are doing what we're supposed to do."
Ewen asked what the 2.3% would represent in a budget adjustment.
Mabin said it was close to $95,000.
Ewen said that coincidentally represented the lease revenue for the council's Rolleston property (a 1080 factory), which might be reviewed to help the budget.
Cr Laura Coll-McLaughlin said the council, like everyone else, was at the "sharp end" with inflation.
It needed to budget for the unexpected while weighing the impact on ratepayers but without leaving the council financially vulnerable.
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.
-
65.3% Yes
-
32.3% No
-
2.4% Other - I'll share below
Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.