Water plan could save millions

A publicly owned water company could save the Waipa district millions of dollars.

Waipa District Council has agreed to take the next step in forming a rate-payer owned water company, which would mean joining forces with Hamilton city and Waikato district councils to create a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO).

The CCO would manage water and wastewater on behalf of all three councils, and stormwater would be managed by the CCO under contract.

An independent report shows Waipa District Council could save an estimated

Waikato District Council has given it the nod, and Hamilton City Council will make a decision on whether it will agree.

$26.7 million in 10 years, and $80.8 million in 28 years.

It suggested the company could optimise debt by reducing charges to consumers by $164 million over 28 years.

But feedback via Neighbourly shows people are worried about what it means for them and the matter is shaping up to be an election issue. It includes concerns about rates increasing, and who will run the company. Those concerns will be answered when the public is consulted on the company in 2017.

Waikato District Council has given it the nod, and Hamilton City Council will make a decision on whether it will agree to be part of the proposal, this week.

If Hamilton decides to go ahead, the plan will be further considered by newly elected councils after the local body elections in October.

Then a comprehensive programme will be created to provide information to the public. By law, no decision to form a CCO can be made until the community has been consulted.

Waipa mayor: Public will have its say on water company, page 3.