Waipa sets rates for new year

‘‘Council's funding for the project is at its maximum amount.’’

Some community groups will receive additional funding as part of the Waipa District Council’s annual plan.

The council confirmed an average 2 per cent rates rise for the 2017-18 year.

Fourteen submissions were received on the draft annual plan which is used to set the rates.

Council granted additional funding to a number of projects which included a boost in funding to Te Awamutu Commsafe and Cambridge Safer Communities Charitable Trust, now funded at $20,000 each annually.

Council allocated a $100,000 to support the Waipa Closed Circuit Television project but chief financial officer, Ken Morris had indicated the amount will be held back until the project is good to go.

‘‘We are currently working with the relevant community groups and with the police to make sure everything is in order before the money is released,’’ said Morris.

‘‘Council’s funding for the project is at its maximum amount and submitters understand there will be no more money coming.’’

The restoration project of the Climax 1317 train engine was granted an additional $11,250, which will cover three very specific elements to finish the project to an acceptable level.

Originally the Climax 1317 Trust sought $45,000 to finish the project to a much higher standard.

The additional funding was largely offset by additional rates revenue as a result of growth. The total rates to be collected from the district next year will be $51.4 million. The 2 per cent rise is lower than originally projected in councils 10-year plan. The saving is largely from lower debt levels, lower depreciation costs, increased fees from growth and the use of operating surpluses.

Rates increases may be skewed following independent property valuations completed last year where the capital value of Waipa properties increased by an average of 23.1 per cent.

Properties with valuations significantly more or less than the average will see that reflected in their rates. The capital works budget for the coming year has increased to $54.7 million.