Block as fallout from coronavirus hits revenue

$440,000 in funding, leaving only $50,000 for security.

That would mean no more publicfunded community celebrations and fireworks.

Council staff said it was a lot of money to spend on a short period of entertainment.

They estimated cutting funding for the hanging baskets — which come out three times a year in seasonal sets of around 50 — and the display house would save $89,000 and $61,000 respectively.

Tauranga South Garden Club president Joan Malcouronne has fought to keep the tropical display house open before and said it was a shame to see it considered for closure again.

“I can understand how the council are looking at ways to claw back money, but I don’t think Tauranga

Source: Tauranga City Council

City Council appreciates how it . . . can lift people’s spirits.”

She said Tauranga had few public gardens, and if the house closed the money should go to another green space rather than disappearing into council coffers.

Former Tauranga councillor Catherine Stewart, who stepped down at the end of the last term, said it was a shame for the council to “pick on” a service with small costs and great benefits.

“It is easy for a city centre to look austere, like a concrete jungle. The baskets are welcoming and make you feel cheerful.”

Tauranga mayor Tenby Powell said the council had to balance the need to cut its cloth on behalf of residents without “stripping the city bare of amenities.

“The council is looking at a whole range of options within our revised budget — including the way we operate.”

Regarding Our Place, he said although it did add vibrancy, the council also needed to listen to the concerns of Mainstreet retailers.

He described the tropical house as a “historical feature” of the city.

He said the council was counting on central government funding to help stimulate the economy, and that money would “walk” if the council could not show it could act as a rational co-investment partner in its own financial decisions.

Brian Berry, the chairman of mainstreet organisation Downtown Tauranga, said anything that reduced the “ambience and activity” in the CBD would be “unfortunate”.

He said Our Place added vibrancy and helped to channel customers to other CBD businesses, but some Mainstreet members questioned whether the council should be supporting a commercial entity.

“Whilst it has been a success at times, it never reached its full potential.”

Highlights from council staff recommendations for a re-drafted Annual Plan 2020-21, which is likely to go out for public consultation. Capital budget $225m Rates increase 4.9 per cent Debt to revenue ratio 239 per cent Commercial differential 1:1.2 Uniform annual general charge 10 per cent.