Long Term Plan 2025-2034

Decisions

At an extraordinary meeting on 27 May, Council made decisions around the Long Term Plan. The aim is that these decisions will effectively manage increasing costs while ensuring our service delivery levels remain uncompromised.

KEY ISSUE 1: Managing the Impact on Rates

Sustained inflationary pressures, constantly changing legislation and the increasing cost of compliance meant that rates had to increase over this Long Term Plan. Council considered the following options:

• Option 1: Unsmoothed, no additional borrowing for rates
• Option 2: Smoothed over 2 years, borrow $230,000
• Option 3: Smoothed over 5 years, borrow $1.15 million

Decision and reasoning

Council approved option 1 as it has the lowest overall cost to the Council budget. The option also had the highest public support. This will mean 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 2025-2034.

KEY ISSUE 2: Roading Funding Shortfall

Council relies on funding from NZTA for managing our roading infrastructure. The current economic climate and reduced funding from NZTA meant that Council had to make decisions on managing the funding shortfall. Council considered three options:

• Option 1: Proceed with Council’s proposed roading budget
• Option 2: Increase the roading budget for the next two years
• Option 3: Decrease the roading budget for the next two years

Decision and reasoning

Council decided on option 1 and agreed to proceed with the proposed budget. The option had high public support and is the most pragmatic option.

KEY ISSUE 3: Track Funding

Council is supportive of community initiatives that are positive for the wellbeing of our district. Council considered additional funding of $150,000 for the Waimate Trail from the Subdivision Recreation Reserve Contribution Fund. The following options were considered:

• Option 1: Council contributes the full proposed amount of $150,000
• Option 2: Council contributes $75,000
• Option 3: Council declines any additional funding

Decision and reasoning

Council chose option 1 and agreed to additional funding of $150,000 for the Waimate Trail from the Subdivision Recreation Reserve Contribution Fund. The fund supports community initiatives throughout the district for recreation. The Waimate Trail will have a positive impact on our district’s economic development.

Other Considerations:

• Council accepted all proposed changes to fees and charges as well as changes to the Rates Remission and Postponement Policy.
• 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.

You can read about all the decisions here.