Manawatu rates rises trimmed

Manawatu residents will have their lowest rates rise in five years – the overall increase will be 3.6 per cent.

However, four costly projects carrying a combined $733,000 price tag are included in the draft budget, hindering any further potential savings.

The council’s Long Term Plan predicted a rise of 4.5 per cent for 2017/2018, but its revised Annual Plan reduces the overall increase to 3.6 per cent.

The increase would be the council’s lowest in five years, with an average hike of 5 per cent since 2013.

The big-ticket item is a $648,000 roading programme that comes after the NZ Transport Agency made changes to the subsidy and funding levels available to councils.

Some maintenance work is no longer eligible to receive subsidies. The council will now fund projects such as the Feilding Central Business District footpath cleaning, festive decorations and Christmas lighting.

The council will also foot the bill for a $500,000 district review.

The cost will be spread over 10 years, resulting in a $50,000 impact on rates.

An upgrade to the Makino Aquatic Centre car park is scheduled to cost $80,000.

The council said the current space is not adequate to cater for the increasing numbers of visitors. The proposed car park will be funded through loans, with the $5000 interest raised from rates.

The Feilding Community Committee has also requested the council fork out $30,000 for its community plan. If the project goes ahead the costs will be funded by the ratepayer.

Councillor Shane Casey expressed concern over some of the projects added to the plan.

‘‘Although I’m generally in favour of the Annual Plan, I’m concerned at the future cost and that items may be removed because they’re too expensive.’’

In an attempt to find some cost savings, the council has announced its intention to demolish the bird aviaries at Kowhai Park.

The council has maintained the aviaries since they were built in 1964, but they now require significant upgrades at an estimated cost of $570,000.

In her report, mayor Helen Worboys said ongoing work would see further reductions in rates rises over the next few years.

‘‘Rates pay for the services that we all receive and good quality services cost money. If you would like to see council decrease some services to save money, please tell us which services you suggest.

‘‘Conversely, if you would like to see increased services, please let us know, but bear in mind there is likely to be an upward effect on rates.

‘‘We would like to see the final overall level of rates increase drop further and that largely depends on your feedback.’’

Councillor Stuart Campbell said he was, for the most part, pleased with the draft.

‘‘While it does not meet all my pre-election goals of reducing both the level of rates increase and the level of council debt, it is halfway there, with a good reduction from the projected rates increase.

‘‘This figure of 3.6 per cent is in line with our current local economic statistics and draft rates rises proposed by other local authorities around the country.’’

The plan is out for consultation and the community has been asked to give feedback by April 28.