The things to be achieved to make Tauranga a city that moves ahead with rates increases at no more than the rate of inflation.
The art gallery would be given 12 months' notice that it will no longer be council funded so will need to support itself and I'm sure people that can afford to, will support it. Plus an entry fee!
The museum and storage would be cancelled saving rate payers at least $1 million a year. The artefacts would then all be offered back to the donators or passed on to Te Papa or Auckland. Again to the people who want a museum, put your hands in your pockets and pay for it.
Parking in the city would be free for the first hour. People would return in droves.
Permits would be reduced for new housing, business development etc and Tauranga would have the most competitive rate so that companies and people will want to come here.
Buses would be reduced 30% for example instead of a bus every 20 minutes it would be every 30 minutes. The price to use a bus will also be reflected in the cost.
User pays. The bus size could bet cut also to reduce costs. Have a look the next time and it's like where are the passengers?
Grass cutting and edging would be cut by 30% minimum. The ratepayers are happy to look after their own verges etc and although it's nice to have, we don't need it.
Council staff numbers would be cut back to the numbers of 2003 and then worked forward using inflation and growth. This will lead to a substantial cut in numbers. In the current council's own words technology will save money. Not so more people and more cost. In the case of Tauranga this council has no idea of what tough times are and no idea of how to run a business.
I'm telling the people of Tauranga we need to take control. Sit back and do nothing and watch your rates rise every year by at least 10% plus gst.
The government and some councils are making the hard decisions but not Tauranga, this is just a start. Lots of other things need addressing like swimming pools, Mount hot pools, the stadium, etc.

D. Jennings, Papamoa.