Ward faces 4.1% rates rise

RATEPAYERS in Central Otago’s Cromwell ward face a projected rates increase of 4.1%, while those in the Maniototo ward will have a 0.4% decrease.

At meetings of both wards’ community boards last week projected rates were presented from the 202223 annual plan budget for recommendation to the Central Otago District Council for inclusion in its 202223 annual plan.

The figures for both wards had been revised from those initially presented in February.

In the case of Cromwell, community board members at a meeting on May 10 were presented with corrected figures that had resulted in an average rates increase of 4.1% excluding districtwide rates and metered water.

In February, the district councilwide average annual rates increase was projected to be 7.7%, down from 7.8% as adopted for year two of the 202131 longterm plan.

At that time, the Cromwell ward’s average rates increase, excluding districtwide rates and metered water, was projected to be around 2.4%.

The overall council rates, while still being finalised with the council, were also projected to be less than the initially reported 7.7%.

It was a similar tale for the Maniototo Community Board at a meeting on Thursday.

In February, the Maniototo ward’s average rates decrease, excluding districtwide rates and metered water, was projected to be around 1.2%.

The average rates decrease for the ward was revised and reduced to a 0.4% decrease, excluding districtwide rates and metered water.

The slight change was due to a slight increase in elected member costs and movements in the general reserves in Maniototo.