Lower rates increase adopted

Tauranga City Council has adopted the annual plan setting an average rates increase of 2.2 per cent for the 2016/17 financial year, instead of the 2.5 per cent consulted on.

The average rate is slightly lower because of the city's growth - 2.5 per cent in rateable properties, 0.5 higher than anticipated when the draft budget was set.


Tauranga City Council adopted the annual plan yesterday.

'It means the total amount of rates to be collected is spread among more ratepayers, resulting in a lower average rates increase,” council says in a statement released yesterday.

'It's lower than the 2.5 per cent increase signalled through the Long Term Plan and lower than the average rates increase of 2.7 per cent (2.5 per cent for residential ratepayers) we consulted on.”

Net debt is also projected to be lower by the end of next year at $391m, which is $19m less than budgeted through the LTP.

Among community investment projects planned for the financial year are wastewater reticulation to parts of Matapihi.

City funds have been made funds available to assist in lighting Bay Oval and to develop a new Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club building.

'The city council has also increased operational expenditure in key areas of Council's service provision such as building services, events and libraries as well as support for the operations of community groups through grants.

'Increased expenditure is partially offset by increased revenue, lower interest rates and reviewed timing of some projects.”

The Council also adopted the User Fees and Charges for 2016/17, and the reviewed policies for Development Contributions, Rates Remission and Revenue and Financing.

The key decisions made through the Annual Plan consultation and deliberations process are set out in a summary document available on the city council website.

The full Annual Plan 2016/17, updated User Fees and Charges and policies will be made available on the website and in the TCC service centres in the coming weeks.

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6 comments

Nice work

Posted on 28-06-2016 08:30 | By Chris

Good prudent work by council - 2.2% is a fair increase given the environment. Undoubtedly you'll get some people whining that it's too much, that inflation is low etc etc. All of that would be fair if council were subject to the ordinary basket of goods that makes up inflation, but council's primary expenses fall into categories for which inflation is comparatively high. So 2.2% is a fair and sustainable increase in my view.


it

Posted on 28-06-2016 09:58 | By Capt_Kaveman

should be 0%


PRUNING

Posted on 28-06-2016 12:01 | By tabatha

And I presume a pruning of x number on the gravy train.


the calm before the storm

Posted on 28-06-2016 12:13 | By Murray.Guy

This is JUST the 'calm before the storm'. Be very aware ratepayers that there is a tsunami of debt and rate increases on the horizon if this present Council, Paul Adams(CAG) and likewise big spenders are successful in their efforts to manipulate their predetermined outcomes. This announcement is no more than an attempt to divert attention from the reality of the 'present Councillors', that over promised and have woefully failed to deliver. Our community needs critical infrastructure to meet our growth needs, (serious investment in our existing transport arterial routes), long before any short sighted 12000 seat Domain destroying rugby stadium. Debt is down OBNLY as a result of failure to complete projects and a very accommodating economy and interest rates.


Next Year

Posted on 28-06-2016 15:27 | By Taffy

Wait for next years increase and on going.This is the softener then wham! TCC are hell bent on this civic centre revamp with their new building at the head of the list.TCC please listen to the majority instead of elite.


@ Taffy

Posted on 28-06-2016 21:52 | By nerak

Bit hard for TCC to understand your request, they don't know what 'listen' means. As for the elite, will that be the overpaid staff dreaming up their wishlists? I've said it before, too many staff with too many wants, too much to say. We need a complete new lot of councillors, asap, and they need to have the guts to kick out several staff.


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