The article dated September 12 in The Weekend Sun referred to a former Western Bay of Plenty mayor who criticises the ex-CEO’s performance. This is both revealing and at the same time, alarming.

There has been an inference by councillors, during the election campaign, about the failure of the council’s management of its financial statements and accounting procedures.

Critical to this is the implication that due to the failure of whatever, it has had an adverse impact on the rates levied. I quote “that lead to higher rates rises than initially forecast”. If this is the case, then we ratepayers deserve full details and clarification of what has occurred. Any explanation should include: The historic problems; the remedies instigated; confirmation that there is now accurate and frequent reporting to councillors; and assurance that rates are levied on accurate forecasting.

It appears Western Bay of Plenty District Council spends about 30% of the rates gathered on administration expenses whereas comparable councils spend around 20% to 22% on the same costs. This also requires clarification to ratepayers.

My belief is that in the future, all elected councillors and the appointed CEO must have the ability and knowledge to interpret and question financial statements to avoid these issues in the future.

Graeme Thomson, Katikati