Consultation Open For Draft Annual Plan 2024/25
Consultation is open, and residents are encouraged to have their say on Council’s draft Annual Plan 2024/25.
This year’s Annual Plan is a little bit different. It was scheduled to be the first year of the Long Term Plan 2024-34, however due to uncertainty around Government reforms and direction, Council is producing an Annual Plan for 2024/25 and a nine-year Long Term Plan will be created next year.
This re-scheduling was something offered to, and accepted by, many councils in New Zealand.
Council is proposing an overall rates increase of 13.8% in 2024/25 and is seeking feedback on how we manage the increase. We are aware this will not be welcome news to our ratepayers and members of the community.
When the budget was first drafted it showed an overall rates increase of 19.6%. This was not due to any ambitious projects, but a reflection of the increased costs to our core business. Council has been working hard for the past few months to reduce that number and produce a budget that meets the needs of the district while considering affordability in the face of current cost of living pressures.
Mayor Craig Rowley said there was no ‘magic fix’ to reduce rates rises.
“We are aware this comes at a financially difficult time for some people, unfortunately we are not immune to inflation and bear many of the same cost pressures as everyone else.”
“Costs have increased on all fronts. Water, roading, waste management, and Government compliance, are some of the services which Council needs to provide and have all become much more expensive.”
“This draft plan is one that allows us to maintain current levels of service and prioritises looking after our existing assets. We cannot allow our existing assets to fall into a state of disrepair. We must take care of what we have.”
The consultation document and full draft Annual Plan is available to view online at waimatedc.govt.nz/annualplan
Submissions close at 12pm on Friday 24 May.