24 April 2023

This week we will be engaged in feedback hearings on the proposed Annual Plan 2023/2024.

We have received 170 feedback responses, with 47 indicating that they would like to present their feedback to Council in person.

I am really looking forward to hearing from these individuals and groups, as I know how important this was for me when I was making my own my submissions.

We are proposing a 10% increase in revenue from rates for the 2023/24 year to help pay for the work we have planned.

With inflation at 6.7 percent in the 12 months to March 2023, I am acutely aware of the impact a rates increase has on household budgets. Councillors and staff have been looking for ways to reduce the direct cost the work we need to do has on ratepayers. 

This 10% increase is made up of what has already been agreed. It includes the 4.6% signalled in year 3 of the Long-Term Plan, as well as the increased budget agreed in last year’s Annual Plan for the public transport trial, funding flood recovery and replenishing the general reserve.

The 2023/24 Annual Plan proposes $270 million being allocated across a variety of projects and work programmes.

If you want to know more, click on this link https://haveyoursay.ecan.govt.nz/annual-plan-2023-24?tool=news_feed#tool_tab