Coffee, fines – some new council cash cows
ANALYSIS: Auckland Council has a $295 million forecast deficit to close in its forthcoming budget, and with unpalatable spending cuts in the mix, it’s time for some lateral thinking.
Council officials may be too close to the action to spot some of the possibilities, so Stuff has proposed a range of revenue gathering ideas, some of which may appear not to be serious.
DOUBLE PARKING FINES
You can gamble on parking in a paid parking area, without paying, and the worst that can happen is a $40 fine.
The caps are set in legislation and despite years of haggling with the Wellington end, there’s no sign of them rising any time soon. It’s so outdated that AT loses money on each towaway. Higher fees might improve behaviour, but I think we all know it will remain a good source of revenue. That’s one for Mr Fix-it, the mayor Wayne Brown.
Potential: Huge
Much of the real political horsetrading and debate happens not in the public meetings but in closed-door workshops prior to the public meetings. Behaviour is reputedly not always good, and the language at times spicy. Council could sell tickets to these events, or offer them as prizes in a lottery system.
Potential: Small but entertaining, though with equity questions.
NORTHERN BUSWAY ACCESS AUCTIONS
What regular motorist commuting on the motorway north of the Harbour Bridge doesn’t dream of being able to cruise unrestricted along the dedicated busway, leaving general traffic in the congested wake? Auction on Trade Me a very limited number of peak time access passes, until the pool of those who would pay crazy money has been exhausted.
Potential: Medium, but maybe for a limited time only.
VOLUNTARY GOLF COURSE RETENTION LEVY
Auckland Council has an estimated $3 billion worth of golf courses, which people want cashed up for housing, but which the council wants to progressively, partly or fully, open to other recreation uses. Just 100,000 Aucklanders play golf each year, so why not ask for a $2 per round donation to enhance goodwill towards golfers?
Potential: Small, but relationship-enhancing.
CHARGE MORE FOR PARKING
Public Transport fares have just gone up by around 7%, so shouldn’t on-street and councilprovided parking tariffs also rise? And why not charge at
Park and Rides too? Entry with a Hop card, and a discount if connecting to a trip on public transport. Yes there’s a Parking Strategy still ping-ponging between AT and the council, but what’s stopping the easy stuff happening now?
Potential: Medium
MUSEUM OF THE 1980S
Levels 28 and 29 of the council headquarters have been left unmolested in 80s-themed faux mahogany panelling and even a curved staircase – considered de rigueur for the headquarters of ASB, which it was originally built for. One or both floors could become a shrine to the decade that taste forgot, with a door charge. Exhibits could include early mobile phones, fax machines, and screenings of the movie Wall Street. The rooftop helipad could be safety fenced as tennis courts for hire, or an outdoor function venue.
Potential: Small, but fun.
ACCESS ALL AREAS’ COUNCIL DEBATE PASSES WHERE’S THE COFFEE?
Auckland Council owns some prime public buildings in great locations, with room to lease out space for even a small takeaway coffee and drink outlet. The Cloud, The Viaduct Event Centre, to name two. Food and/ or beverage concessions, even if only seasonal could be considered for a range of council locations and facilities.
Potential: Small to Medium, but refreshing.