MEDIA RELEASE
5 March 2007
HURUNUI RATES INCREASE LESS THAN PREVIOUSLY INDICATED
Mayor Garry Jackson hopes that Hurunui ratepayers are pleased with the
council’s draft budget for 2007/08, with the projected general rate take
increase of 4.6% over this year, less than the 5.1% increase contained in the
Hurunui Long Term Community Plan.
“Responsible and prudent financial planning has been paramount to this term of
council whilst concurrently placing continuing emphasis on core infrastructure, such
as roading and water” said Jackson. “
“Whilst the Hurunui Long Term Plan was one of the few in New Zealand to contain
annual rate increases over the ten year period in line with inflation, we are pleased to
have been able to fine tune and smooth the projections to just a 4.6% increase in
2007/08.”
“At the same time, we have incorporated increased spending on a number of key
areas, over and above the upgrading contained in the Long Term Plan. Specific
areas of increased spending include roading, water, civil defence and rural fire”
Jackson emphasised.
Final rate increase on individual rate demands will vary depending local targeted and
amenity rates. Residents and ratepayers will be encouraged to give council feedback
during the consultation and submission period March 26 through April 27.
An extensive schedule of public meetings during this period are planned to
communicate the draft annual plan in detail.
“The task of robust financial planning and the provision of increased services is a
never ending one” concluded Mayor Jackson. “However, in the context of growth and
development through out the Hurunui, I’m pleased that we have been able to hold
the general rate increase just above the level of inflation.
Ends.
For further information contact:
Mayor Garry Jackson or CEO Paddy Clifford
Hurunui District Council
03 314 8816.
Web: http://www.hurunui.govt.nz