Buller District Council progresses lean Long-Term Plan budget

Buller District Council (BDC) held its regular Long-Term Plan (LTP) workshop at the Clocktower Chambers yesterday, as it continues to work towards developing a no-frills budget for 2025-2034.

Group Manager Corporate Services Paul Numan says: “Council is focused on moving towards more of a ‘user-pays’ model in terms of its fees and charges, with the LTP budget based on council still providing the current levels of service.”

Key contributing factors having a direct impact on Buller’s 2025-26 rates increase include the Buller Holdings dividend reducing from $1.3 million to $800,000 while the Buller Holdings Management fee will increase by $100,000.

Council staff were disappointed that due to a technical glitch with the model, the actual rates rise percentage increase was unable to be presented this week. This information will be provided in a workshop due to be held next Wednesday 12 March.

“Council is working hard to reduce its reliance on contractors by replacing these roles with employed staff members, without resulting in an overall increase in rates.

By having permanent employees fill positions formerly held by contractors, not only are contractor costs reduced, but this also potentially brings new residents and their families into the district to live, with flow-on economic benefits” says Mr Numan.

There are two main consultation topics up for discussion in this LTP. These are the separation of Westport’s stormwater and wastewater streams, and the possibility of BDC becoming a guarantor for the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA). More detail around these will be provided in the LTP consultation document.

Consultation on the 2025-34 LTP opens on 18 April, this date having been updated to fall in line with the Local Water Done Well consultation period.

-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.