Community input vital urges councillor
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It’s not too late to have your say on Auckland Council’s Annual Budget before consultation closes on March 28.
rākei Ward Councillor Desley Simpson, who is also the Finance and Performance Committee Chair, believes that community input and understanding will be vital to agreeing the final budget.
‘‘This draft budget keeps our rates income at less than 40 per cent of our total revenue. It includes investment in our infrastructure, keeps our debt within the limits approved by our rating agencies, sets some serious savings targets and is delivering better value for money for Aucklanders,’’ she says.
‘‘With the financial shadow of COVID-19 impacting council finances, there are tough choices ahead of us.
‘‘There are a number of significant proposals in the budget, including a new Climate Action Targeted Rate to help mitigate the effects of climate change. There is also local investment planned for Colin Maiden Park, the Auckland Domain, ongoing water improvement in Hobson Bay and safety improvements around schools.’’
Councillor Simpson is an advocate for community input on local priorities.
‘‘Who better knows the dayto-day needs of each community than residents?
‘‘The feedback we receive from Aucklanders will play a significant role in our financial decisionmaking.’’
Within the Annual Budget consultation process, local boards look for input from their communities on priority setting and budget allocations for the coming financial year.
The proposed rākei Local Board’s priorities includewater quality projects, parks and Sportsfield development, environmental programmes, shared path advocacy, local events and covid recovery, improvement of public spaces and more.
rākei Local Board chairperson Scott Milne explains that the process encourages local input.
‘‘We actively work with the
community and various groups to seek their advice on decision making and our budget priorities.
‘‘The Board has put considerable time and effort into developing this plan and budget and is pleased with the results.
‘‘However, we really need to hear from our community that they agree, or with suggestions on how it might be improved.’’
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