Buller District Council floats draft total rates increase for 2025-26

Council staff have been able to further reduce the total rates percentage increase quoted at the 22 January Long-Term Plan (LTP) budget workshop from 9.8% to 7.39% for 2025-26, while retaining the existing levels of service delivery.

This saving comes despite factors such as the reduction in the Buller Holdings dividend from $1.3 million to $800,000 and an increased management fee, which were discussed at last week’s workshop on 5 March.

Group Manager Corporate Services Paul Numan says: “The reduction is a result of rigorous review and quality assurance processes undertaken by staff, including line-by-line examination of budgets and ground-up evaluations of each budget area.

Further reviews of regulatory fees and charges to align with those of the other West Coast district councils and checks to ensure these changes comply with policy have been carried out. Contractor spending has also been reviewed and revised.”

When compared to the draft presented to council in January, the draft total rates percentage increases across the nine-year life of the LTP has been reduced.

There are two key consultation topics requiring consideration as part of the 2025-2034 LTP: the separation of Westport’s stormwater and wastewater streams, and BDC becoming a guarantor for the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA).

“The Draft LTP, including the budget and projected rates figures are still subject to approval by audit. The Draft LTP will be considered by council on 16 April, with the consultation process opening on Friday 18 April and running until 19 May.

Hearings will take place on 29-30 May, with deliberations following on 4-5 June” continues Mr Numan.

The final Draft LTP will then be considered at the full council meeting on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz

Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.