Proposed rates rise confirmed
25 February 2014
Waipa District Council will consult its community on a proposed total average rate increase for next year of 2.9 per cent after growth.
Details on the proposed increase for 2014-2015 are included in the Council's draft Annual Plan to be released for community discussion next week (March 4). Key projects included in the plan are proposals to fund the new Te Awamutu library, investing in water supply and treatment facilities across the district and developing a town concept plan for Cambridge.
The proposed increase is significantly less than what the Council has originally signaled in its 10-year plan. At that stage, it was signaled to be 4.7 per cent.
Costs driving the proposed increase include the requirement to fund depreciation of $521,000, an estimated $335,000 decrease in resource consent revenue, an additional $220,000 in compliance costs driven by central government and an additional $126,000 per year in interest costs.
However money has been saved on things like insurances, electricity and by sharing civil defence services with other Councils.
The draft plan outlines a range of capital expenditure items planned for the next financial year including $517,000 for seal extensions, $144,000 for new footpaths, $213,000 for street light improvements and $320,000 for footpath repairs.
The 2013 revaluation of the district will impact on any level of rates increase for individual properties. But current figures suggest around two thirds (66 per cent) of rateable properties are likely to have a rates increase of between 2 - 4 per cent.
Residents and ratepayers will be able to discuss draft plan at six meetings to be held around the district throughout March, beginning with two meetings in Cambridge on March 5, meetings in Te Awamutu on March 11 and March 20 plus a meeting in Pirongia on March 20 and one in Kihikihi on March 26.
Both the Te Awamutu and Cambridge Chambers of Commerce will also host meetings.
Submissions on the draft Annual Plan must be received by April 4. Council will adopt the final plan in June this year.
Media enquiries: Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of Council) 027 5077 599
