Katikati's new library and service centre is locked in with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council adopting its Long Term Plan today.

Other major decisions include a significant investment in stormwater projects, including additional works at Two Mile Creek, Waihi Beach and a house-raising consent fee waiver for at-risk properties.

Katikati is going to get a new library.

Debt interest payments have increased from $1m to $2.5m. Wastewater subsidies are approved for Te Puna West and Ongare Point communities.

There will be funding to help a Katikati heritage museum get on its feet, and three District cycleways, plus funding for community events at Waihi Beach, and an increased road sealing programme.

The plan also confirms a four percent cap on total rates rises, lower than the five percent proposed during the consultation process.

The district council is also changing the way it funds storm water projects by introducing a ten percent district-wide rate alongside targeted rates. Previously flood protection work was fully funded through targeted rates.

The district's ratepayers will also share the burden of running the public swimming pools at Katikati and Te Puke. These will now be funded through a District-wide rate.

The Long Term Plan is pragmatic but ultimately progressive, says Mayor Ross Paterson.

The key themes are managing debt, restricting rates rises, investing in infrastructure and maintaining levels of service.

'Ratepayers gave Council a very strong message that affordability of rates and reducing debt were the two issues of greatest concern. We heard this message and have responded,” says Ross.

'We believe the decisions in our Long Term Plan strike the right balance between managing rates and debt, while continuing to prudently invest in key infrastructure and deliver levels of service the community has come to expect.”