Draft annual plan delayed

Hamilton City Council has delayed finalising its 2020/21 budget and setting rates until it has a closer look at the city’s finances and decides what work may need to be put on hold as part of the Covid-19 impact.

The council will now adopt its draft annual plan on July 30 – a month later than originally planned.

Mayor Paula Southgate said: “We would be foolish to box along as though it is business as usual when it’s absolutely not.”

Covid-19 had “fundamentally changed the landscape” and the council needed to respond.

“Council needs to play its part in rebuilding Hamilton’s economy and community and councillors need to use the tools we have to do that.

“We need to know very clearly what the financial position of council is, what we can do to minimise the impact of Covid-19 on ratepayers and residents, what work needs to continue and what needs to go on hold,” Ms Southgate said.

The council has already announced a 12-point recovery plan and prepared a pitch to secure government money to help the city withstand the impacts of Covid-19.

But Ms Southgate said more time would allow the council to consider more options and think more broadly about the challenges facing the community.

“I think taking an extra month to do that, and do that properly, is the most sensible way forward.”

Councillors have made it clear they will be seeking feedback from the community on what is proposed in the annual plan, she said.

Elected members will consider the draft annual plan on June 10, with consultation likely to run from June 22 to July 10.