The good news is that total rates for next year will decline by 0.6% because we have held the costs of operating Council down. While there are increases in later years of this ten year plan, the rate of increase is modest and below the expected local government inflation index.
In the 2013/14 year it cost $24.6m to run the Council. Next financial year we expect to be able to provide all the same services, to absorb inflation, and to fund the new capital expenditure, at a total cost of only $22.4m. We do not expect to go above the 2013/14 benchmark until 2019/20.
Net debt starts at $16.8 m in 2015/2016 and tracks down to $10.8m in 2024/2025. We will operate a balanced budget over the course of the Long Term Plan. Our debt servicing costs remain low. The Financial Strategy is prudent, sustainable and affordable.
“In terms of our Key issues, we believe that the provision of clean safe drinking water is our top priority. In this 10 year plan, we have committed $3.8m to upgrading our water supplies in Westport and our smaller communities. We have made a concerted effort to fix the water first’ comments Buller Mayor, Garry Howard.
Once the water issues are resolved the Council has proposed to rationalise its property holdings in Westport and modernise the town centre over the period 2018 to 2021. Key earthquake risks have been addressed by immediately strengthening the Brougham Street Council Office, and beginning a process to bring the Reefton Community Centre up to acceptable standards.
Council has also provided for a more focussed approach to Economic Development and we believe this can be achieved through a “whole of Coast” effort.
“Our District is well placed with many of our key infrastructure upgrades complete, or nearing completion. Our Council manages $379m of infrastructure assets and over the next 10 years we will invest $62.2m in upgrading and improving our core infrastructure assets.”
The Consultation Document will be released for public consideration on 28 April 2015 and will be available on our website along with the full Draft Long Term Plan, submission form and other supporting documents.
The consultation period will close on 29 May 2015.
“We would like to hear what you think of the key issues and risks highlighted in our Consultation Document. Your feedback guides the direction that we as a Council will take when considering options for our district moving forward” comments Mayor Howard.
We invite you to attend the public information meetings. These meetings will give everyone an opportunity to attend one in your local area and to raise questions directly with Councillors and staff.
Dates & Locations near you:
| Monday 11 May 2015 | 6.30pm | Punakaiki | Pancake Rocks Café |
| Tuesday 12 May 2015 | 6.30pm | Reefton | St John’s Rooms |
| Wednesday 13 May 2015 | 7.00pm | Westport | Westport Bridge Club |
| Tuesday 19 May 2015 | 6.30pm | Karamea | Karamea Bowling Club |
| Wednesday 20 May 2015 | 6.30pm | Ngakawau | Ngakawau Hall |
Please click here to view more information on our Draft Long Term Plan.
