Council’s direction for the next nine years has been set following the adoption of the Long Term Plan 2025-2034. Council decided not to borrow additional funds to smooth rates, an approach that will save ratepayers from the burden of servicing additional debt and allows Council to allocate funds to core services.
Council agreed on an overall average rates increase of 9.2% for 2025/26, 5.2% for 2026/27, 6.8% for 2027/28 and an average increase of 2.8% per annum over the remaining six years of the Long Term Plan.
“We will work hard to keep rates increases manageable and ensure we provide our core services efficiently,” says Mayor Craig Rowley. “There is high public support in keeping our debt levels low, and our decision will be the lowest overall cost to Council’s budget.”
Council would like to thank everyone who took the time to attend a community chat session and make a submission. Ninety submissions were received with 13 people speaking to their submission.
Other decisions include keeping the proposed budget for managing the funding shortfall for roading and contributing an additional $150,000 to the development of the Waimate Trail from the Subdivision Recreation Reserve Contribution Fund.
Council funding will continue for existing recipients of community support grants and an additional $1,000 for Bushtown Waimate. However, Council will be reviewing all community grant recipients as well as the terms of reference for grant funding.
“Everyone greatly appreciates the value community groups add to the wellbeing of our district. They are essential services,” says Mayor Rowley.
You can read the Long Term Plan at waimatedc.govt.nz/ltp
