Comment open on city plan
A proposed rates increase and funding delays for some city projects are among the issues up for debate during Christchurch’s latest annual plan consultation.
The plan, which outlines council spending and direction for the next financial year, was made publicly available on February 25.
People are able to comment on the council website, and are also encouraged to comment on the council’s Facebook and Twitter accounts until April 28.
Several ‘‘Have Your Say’’ events are also planned across the city so people can speak face-toface with councillors and council staff.
The draft’s main talking points are an expected rise in rates by an average of 5.5 per cent, and an end to the post-earthquake rates discount scheme.
At the time the draft was released, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said while the proposed increase was slightly higher than forecast, it reflected the amount of work the council was undertaking.
Planned spending on several key projects around the city has been deferred to the 2018-19 financial year.
The draft plan sets total capital project investment at $480.2 million in 2017-18 – down $159.8m from what was expected in the city’s long term plan.
The council is also set to borrow $60m to bridge a shortfall in expected ’’capital release’’ from Christchurch City Holdings Limited (CCHL).
This is because CCHL, the council’s investment arm, is no longer selling City Care and other businesses it owns, creating a $120m shortfall that will be split over the next two years.
Total planned borrowing is down $119.6m overall compared to the long term plan though, due to delays in funding for capital projects over the next three to five years.
Projects with delayed funding include $24.9m for the Sumner to Lyttelton Road Corridor, $18.5m for the metro sports facility, $10.3m for the performing arts precinct and $14.1m for the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant earthquake repairs.
This is the last annual plan before a new long term plan is developed for 2018-28.
Those wanting to have their say on the Christchurch City Council’s draft annual plan have until April 28 to make a submission.