The 2012/2013 audited annual report of Napier City Council on page 12 outlines a comparison with New Zealand councils of a ‘similar size' and results are shown on a simple graph.
It needs little explanation; and, suffice to say, Tauranga has the highest average rates and largest increase.
In addition, Standard and Poors' latest Tauranga City Council report independently confirms the debt ratio of 243 per cent has been understated in the TCC audited annual report and is wrong; the correct figure being 270 per cent, as critics claim.
Standard and Poors has reduced projected income from consent fees that will impact on TCC ability to service debt borrowings to meet CAPEX without hiking rates.
Standard and Poors observe debt is very high, when compared to our fellow NZ cities.
This expert commentary should gravely concern everyone in Tauranga City.
Plus, capital expenditure commitments are looming; stormwater at least $70 million, the Route K /15th Ave trade-off at about $55 million (on top of burgeoning existing debt), and the gobstopping Southern Pipeline with more than $200 million still to be spent.
Stormwater remedials and 15th Ave four-laning do not yet even feature in the TCC-approved annual accounts, annual or 10-year plans.
Tauranga's pie in the sky high growth rates were fifth during 2001-2006, but dropped to eigth during 2006-2013, out of 16 regions assessed in the 2013 Census results.
Tauranga is not a high NZ growth area at all, to justify the massive debt and spending occurring to date.
Making the best decisions for the long-term wellbeing of TCC residents in this scenario is nigh impossible and will take lots of courage.
TCC - try spinning your way out of that little web. You might hide things from time to time, but in the end you won't hide debt and rates.
R Paterson, Matapihi.