Coast regional council flags more user pays
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
West Coast residents face more "user pay" services and a hefty hike in rates under the West Coast Regional Council's proposed long-term plan (LTP).
Chairperson Peter Haddock said the council knew the proposed increases will be challenging for some.
"But if we don't make these changes now, we are just kicking the can down the road."
Ratepayers should brace for a range of rises in the LTP 2024-25, including a proposed 27% general rates increase, a 22.7% rise in the uniform annual general charge (UAG), and jumps in the targeted rates for individual flood rating districts.
The council is also proposing to increase user fees and charges.
"The fairest approach is for those who use our services should pay for them," Haddock said on April 11.
He said the council wants feedback on is how to pay for under-invested council systems and processes, while demand for services "keeps growing".
"We are unable to carry out basic functions and services to meet community expectations, particularly in the back office financial area. This is now starting to seriously affect all ratepayers," Haddock said.
Relying on debt to cover day-to-day operational costs was "not sustainable".
"We have a big programme of work ahead of us so we have tried to lessen and smooth the load by spreading the increase over several years where we can."
The council is consulting a total budget increase of 20.8% for 2024-25, partially funded by borrowing alongside its preferred 27% general rates increase.
The council proposed initially borrowing for some activities until it can return to a stage of paying of debt in the next few years, Haddock said.
The rates had been kept "artificially low" and council had "no option but to take this approach to catch up", he said.
The council believed the alternative 44% rates-alone funding option in 2024-25 would be "unacceptable" to residents.
Formal feedback is also being sought on the future of Predator Free Te Kinga, as its external funding by Predator-free 2050 is due to run out in 2026-27.
Haddock said Te Kinga was "a special project for the region" with gains in species protection, but it needed ratepayer finding to continue.
Other key proposals flagged in the LTP:
* Formal transfer of the ownership of the Grey Floodwall and the Havill Wall (Franz Josef) assets to the regional council -- in line with flood and erosion protection asset management on behalf of 23 rating districts as a core function of council.
* Increases to targeted rates and the UAG.
The UAG will increase from $155.69 in 2023-24 to $192.59 in 2024-25. This fixed charge per property does not discriminate on location or property type.
About 75% of West Coast properties received some benefit from the region's 23 rating districts flood protection assets.
Many needed investment and work to maintain them, "or to potentially increase their standard of protection which will drive targeted rate increases".
That includes a bump of more than 500% for Westport's rating district in the next three years.
Consultation runs from April 12 until May 10, with public hearings anticipated from May 20 before council adopts the plan in June.
The Consultation Document and supporting information can be viewed at www.wcrc.govt.nz....
Copies will also be available to view at the Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika libraries and the Reefton Service Centre from April 15.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11.2% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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