Rates increase backs new funding
CLUTHA ratepayers can expect an average rates increase of 5.22% this coming year.
Clutha District Council met for a marathon sixhour session in Balclutha on Thursday, to make discretionary budgeting and other decisions on its 202324 annual plan.
At the heart of the meeting were 44 funding and investigatory items for decision, comprising a combination of fresh budget requests and project funding to be carried forward.
Councillors approved a total of nearly $390,000 of new or renewed annual grant funding for council and community group projects, which will be paid from a mixture of existing budgets, loans and rates.
Among the more hotly debated items was a renewal and increase of destination management funding for regional tourism organisation (RTO) Clutha Development.
The RTO sought an additional $15,000 for the coming year, bringing its budget for this part of its activities to $195,000.
In its submission to the annual plan, Clutha Development said a lapse of the council funding would leave it unable to attract government cofunding — which amounted to $800,000 last year — and halt several ‘‘shovelready’’ projects.
However, Cr Dane Catherwood said he was concerned there was no assurance further government funding would emerge, leaving the RTO limited in its ability to deliver.
Cr Alison Ludemann countered his reluctance to continue funding, saying ratepayers had voiced support for the RTO.
‘‘We consulted on it, and there’s been support for what Clutha Development have achieved so far.
‘‘Are we now going to shut the door and say ‘we’ve done our bit, we’ve done enough now’?’’ she said.
Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the council was not turning its back on tourism, and he would at least support the additional funding for this year.
‘‘I just believe we need to put a bit more rigour into [the process], and establish where tourism funding is best spent to ensure growth and a high quality visitor experience.’’
Elsewhere, big winners included the Clinton and Clutha Valley communities, who will receive up to $100,000 and $110,000 respectively to seed projects identified during recent Our Place community planning.
Among those whose funding requests were declined were Clutha Health First ($12,330.75 for helipad lighting) and Kaitangata Promotions, who had asked for $25,000 towards CCTV in the town.
However, councillors did vote to undertake a wider review of CCTV policy for the entire district.