The relentless persecution of the endangered species called the 'ratepayer” continues onward without any sign of reprieve in the foreseeable future. Twelve months ago a call was made by a Councillor for a $2.5m saving to be made by the CEO, that was so as the 17.8% rate rise would be reduced just a little, that was sound criticized by most Councillors 'we have cut it to the bone already”.
When one compares that to the other local Councils have indicated the rate increases for the 2012 rates year are: - TCC 11%+, Western BOP Nil, Regional Council Nil, that says a lot. The Mayor said on the 17-Sept-2010 that 6-8% would be looked at by staff but now it is back up to 11%? Then look at Building fees as reported last year of: - TCC $19,000 + per house (Dunedin 2nd in NZ at $7,000/house), WBOPDC $3,500, with all of this it is easy to see why you would rather live outside of the TCC area.
The only reason for the rate increases and the massive building fees imposed on TCC ratepayers is 'wanton and deliberate overspending on luxuries”. This is evident from the spending in the last 3-7 years and what is still coming.
Ian Stevenson, Tauranga.