Early last year I became concerned that Council did not appear to be reacting to the economic crisis. I joined a small group and we labelled ourselves KAPT (Katikati Affordable Progress Team) and we became politically active. George Van Dyke got on the Katikati Community Board and I got back on Council.
This is the worst downturn I have experienced in my lifetime. This is a service town and is suffering badly, and the rural people have their own problems (earlier surveys says 52% of the wards business are in the rural area).
A town development has been proposed, I recognise the effort that has gone into it (though I have reservations about aspects of it) but don't believe the large cost of doing it is realistic or affordable in these times.
When on Wednesday February 9 2011 various alternatives for sitting a library were put up, I advised caution, and oppose a possible purchase that was suggested. This was in confidential, and was not a fact until ratified at the meeting the following day.
On Thursday 10 2011 prior to the main meeting, councillors received an urgent ‘state of the nation' speech from the CEO.
This was an excellent presentation and coincided with what I have been saying for some time.
The options presented to us as a result of the economic situation were very sobering indeed, but very much needed, and councillors all agreed to pull together to try to achieve a favourable result which would have least impact on ratepayers. We are in very difficult times and changes must be made.
In spite of this, when I was assured that money was put aside from the land purchase, but that it would not trigger a rush of further expenditure till times got much better. I then voted for the purchase, so we had the means to advance as proposed in the future. Councils main income is either rates or fees or charges. I have believed for some time that many fees and charges are too high (their income from these has been reduced drastically in the last couple of years). A big increase in rates to balance council's budget is scary. The people who would be asked to pay have their own affordability problems. Our district plan must come in for far closer scrutiny.
In closing, I believe our CEO has a firm grasp of the situation and is meeting the challenge well. With good will and scrutiny by councillors, I believe together we can meet the challenge. There may be pain, but we can work together to minimise this.
Norm Mayo, Katikati Ward Councillor.