I have read with interest the letters to the editor. Many raising concerns about the Council operations such as Baypark, Mt Pools, Baywave, Mount Greens and Baypark Arena (normally at the circus).
Many a ‘fantastic' business plan has been written by longstanding Councillors and TCC staff propagating extravagant projects. Funnily enough none have lived up to anywhere near their own projections.
As a Councillor I voted against all of these projects:
1. There has been no money for years
2. The majority of ratepayers don't have the money
3. Rates increases are: - 2008-2009 11.5% , 2009-2010 12%, 2010-2011 10% and this year 2011-2012 12%++.
4. Anyone with business sense can see that they would never be financially feasible. Sadly they are right.
5. Director's of Company's are responsible for their previous misdeeds; e.g. Nationwide Finance is currently in Court.
NB: A 17.8%++ rate rise stated at the election is to be 12%++ now, but only because debt repayments are reduced means more interest next year.
These projects are frivolous indulgences that should never have even thought about. Documents on Council's own records prove that they do not know what they are doing, they just have to learn from and avoid repeating it.
The most recent example is the Mt Hot Pools where it looks like some $2.5m++ has been spent with consultants, staff time etc for what is not even a ‘Hot Pool' redevelopment.
Hayden Evans, Tauranga.