Council to consider next rate move

Rotorua Lakes hears public’s feedback to postcovid Annual Plan

Ageneral rates freeze and a 4 per cent targeted rates rise will soon be considered for Rotorua, following public feedback. The proposed targeted rates rise has dropped 0.7 per cent.

In March the council was considering a rates increase of 8.18 per cent.

A summary of public feedback on the Rotorua Lakes Council’s 2020/21 Annual Plan was heard at a council committee meeting yesterday.

Council chief financial officer Thomas Colle and strategy manager Jean-paul Gaston presented the findings of the public consultation process at a Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee meeting.

Along with a reduction in the recommended targeted rates rise, council staff recommended support for the commercial accommodation sector and adequate funding to support the council’s coming wastewater-management decision.

Colle said the plan delivered on cushioning the economic blow of

Covid-19.

“[It] also supports our community, in particular around the projected economic recovery that is going to take place, but retains flexibility.

“That flexibility will allow us, on behalf of the community, to respond to uncertainty.”

About 200 people and organisations gave feedback on the draft 2020/21 Annual Plan, which would create a $29 million fund to stimulate

the region’s economic recovery, and a further $1m to support community projects and initiatives.

A one-off $1m payment would also be made to Rotorua Airport, aimed at supporting the council-controlled

organisation. The consultation period ended on June 17.

The annual plan, including revisions accepted from the consultation process, will be considered at a full council meeting on July 9.