Southland rates rise needs more transparency

NEXT week rates are due and I just wanted to say that the Southland District Council 202223 rates increase is too much.

From a rates printout I received from SDC recently, my yearly rates in Nightcaps will be $3199.12, up from $2785.06. The $414.06 difference means nearly a 15% rate hike.

Also on the information I got, there is a large amount for ‘‘District General Rate’’.

SDC needs to detail specifically, to ratepayers, what this rate is for please. Be transparent.

There is also the community board rate which also needs to be more specific.

Additionally, SDC did not let people submit to its latest annual plan, which had the rate increases. That is unfair I feel because other councils (like Invercargill City Council) were considerate and respectful enough to let people have their say.

‘‘Working together for a better Southland’’ is SDC’s motto, but raising rates significantly so that it puts people under financial pressure, does not make a better Southland.

Care more please SDC.

Nightcaps