23 February 2009
Three key words define Waipa District’s 10-year Plan says Waipa Mayor Alan Livingston, choices, challenges and consultation.
“Council staff have worked very hard and made significant changes to planned capital works programmes and operational activities, to ensure that rates increases were kept to a minimum, while not compromising the high levels of service our communities expect, or their needs. At the same time we are faced with unavoidable cost increases as required by legislation. A 3% rate increase to provide for increased depreciation as a result of the revaluation of Council’s infrastructural assets is such an example.”
Proposed rates increases for the next three years are 5.6%, 6.6% and 5.9%.
“We appreciate the difficulties created by the current economic climate, we are all ratepayers too. This must be balanced with necessary rates increases to ensure that all the things that need to get done do get done, but we must get feedback to ensure we are progressing the projects the community feels are the most appropriate to progress, taking into account that compromises and changes may have to be made.”
Consultation for the 10-year Plan starts on March 16, and a copy of the Summary and submission form will be sent to every household. The full document will be available for viewing at either Council office or library, or online at www.waipadc.govt.nz
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