15 February 2016

Council to set course for city’s Annual Plan

Hutt City Council meets this week to set the discussion for the city’s Annual Plan 2016/17.

The draft budget to be considered indicates an average rates increase of 2.7 per cent, anticipated to be one of the lowest in the region.

Two of the larger items being considered for consultation in the 2016/17 Annual Plan are the Stokes Valley Hub project, which would integrate existing Council services in Stokes Valley into one new facility, and free parking in time restricted parks across the CBD.

The draft budget also provides updates on key projects Council has underway. The projects are part of a programme of revitalisation for the city that sees a significant upgrade of facilities, and stimulating economic growth.

There is an increase in individual costs in some of the rejuvenation projects outlined in the draft budget and Council CEO Tony Stallinger says this will be an important consideration in deciding on the additional projects in this year’s Annual Plan. Overall expenditure has been kept to a similar level to the forecast in the Long Term Plan, set in 2014/15.

The final half of 2015 indicated a strong increase in city-wide economic growth, with the value of building consents issued by Council totalling over $111 million for the months July-December 2015, 25% higher than the total value of building consents issued for the entire 2012 year.

Mr Stallinger says “With the current budget we are able to continue to invest in our city, keep rates increases at a modest level and meet the debt limits that we set out in 2015. We do need to take stock of where we are in this programme of work, and carefully consider what we add in this year’s plan.

“Investment in our city infrastructure, namely water and roads remains the largest cost to council, and these major assets have comprehensive asset management plans in place to ensure they are well maintained.”

Council meets on Tuesday 16 February to discuss the draft budget for the 2016/17 year and set the agenda for consultation on the Annual Plan. Community consultation commences through the Annual Plan process from Tuesday 29 March and runs until Friday 29 April.

Copies of the draft Annual Plan consultation document will be available throughout Council facilities and distributed in the Hutt News on 29 March. A detailed outline of where the community can meet councillors and community board/committee members will be made available in late March.

Following the consultation period, Council will hear public submissions. Council will adopt the Annual Plan and budget on Thursday 23 June.

ENDS

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