Impressed with the mayor

I am impressed with the way our mayor, Neil Holdom, keeps us in touch with what is happening, and what needs to be considered by the council.

Covid-19 has huge implications for the size of the budget and where it is best spent. Rates contribute to the finances, and so too does the PIF (Perpetual Investment Fund) from which an annual draw-down is made.

With interest rates being at an all-time low, maybe the time is right to take more out to help boost the current working capital of the council. You put aside a nest egg to help out on a rainy day – maybe that rainy day is now.

I see there is currently a proposed 6.4 per cent rate rise. That is excessively high. Zero would be better. Please remember that ratepayers are taking the Covid-19 financial blows as well.

As the mayor says, now is the time to review and debate the council’s planned spending. The $50 million stadium comes to mind. A letter to the editor (April 22) from Neil Evetts spelt out some sound advice: ‘‘Why not just fix up the Western Stand and demolish the Eastern Stand?’’

In the light of Covid-19 we just cannot afford more. Let’s use our precious rates to support the rebound of our local economy. Divert stadium funding to needy local causes that will benefit everyone.

Alma Clague, New Plymouth

Editor’s note: A total rates rise of 3.95 per cent was agreed on at the council’s extraordinary meeting on Tuesday. This was down from an increase of 6.47 per cent predicted before Covid-19.