Waimakariri reins in rates rise to 1.5pc
Waimakariri ratepayers will face a 1.5 per cent rates rise after the council took a ‘‘common sense approach’’ with its annual plan.
Councils across the country have been battling to tighten budgets as they set rates for the coming year, in a bid to help those impacted by coronavirus.
The Waimakariri District Council yesterday deliberated over the 2020 – 2021 Annual Plan, which was revised following the Covid-19 lockdown to keep rate increases as low as possible.
It had initially proposed a 4 per cent increase, but mayor Dan Gordon said the council wanted to help ease financial pressure on households and had revised the figure to 1.5 per cent.
Increases will vary depending on the property, but for an average property the rise will equate to an increase of about $45 per year, or $11.25 every quarter.
‘‘We have taken a long, hard look at our finances and adjusted our plans, projections and assumptions for the coming years,’’ Gordon said.
‘‘We’ve heard from residents that they are looking for us to keep any increases as low as possible this year while positioning the council to help Waimakariri recovery – which is exactly what we’ve done.’’
Adjustments to the budget had saved $2.9 million in spending and $2.2m in planned rates funding.
Gordon said savings had been achieved through a significant reprioritisation of more than $10m of capital works to later years, and reducing earthquake loan repayments. It also meant a pay freeze for staff, cuts on training budgets and no new hiring for the foreseeable future.
The council was still proposing a capital expenditure programme of $67m in the 2020/21 year, including $28m to finish construction of Stadium Waimakariri.
‘‘This is a common sense approach that looks after residents today, while also making decisions that will help us recover,’’ Gordon said.
The council had applied to the Government’s ‘‘shovel-ready’’ projects fund which, if approved, would provide a significant boost to the local economy, Gordon said. Projects included roading updates including the realignment of the Skewbridge Road bridge ($25m), and ‘‘big picture projects’’ like the Wheels to Waipara cycleway ($10m) and the Woodend Bypass.