17 February 2016

Council confirms Annual Plan priorities

Hutt City Council met yesterday to sign off the draft budget for the 2016/17 financial year, which will be further consulted on through the Annual Plan process from March 29.

Council agreed to increase rates by an average of 2.7% for 2016/17. The proposed increase is in line with what was approved in the 2015/16 Long Term Plan, but is 1.6% above Council’s Financial Strategy target.

2016/17 is the final year of three where a 1% increase in rates has been included to fund the range of rejuvenation projects currently being worked on throughout the city.

Chief Executive Tony Stallinger states, “The proposed rates increase allows Council to continue to invest in our city, keep rates increases at one of the lowest levels in the region, and meet the debt limits that we set out in 2015.”

Mayor of Lower Hutt Ray Wallace adds, “Projects underway are ambitious, and make up part of a programme of revitalisation that will upgrade facilities and stimulate economic growth city-wide”.

Council propose consulting on a variety of issues, the three largest in financial terms are:

• CBD Parking - $925,000 per annum
Council estimates the annual cost of first hour free parking in time restricted parks in the CBD will be $925,000 per annum.
Council will consult on a few options; the user-pays status quo, providing the first hour free as paid through general rates intake, and providing the first hour free through a targeted rate model, where 25 per cent of the cost of this service is through the CBD business rates intake.

• Stokes Valley Hub - $3 – $4 million
Council has $2 million already allocated to strengthen existing library and hall facilities in Stokes Valley. But work is underway on designs to move multiple community facilities into an integrated hub that will meet the needs of future generations. Consultation is underway in Stokes Valley to identify key community needs. An additional $3 - $4 million is proposed to design, build and open the hub.

• Strategic City Promotions and Events - $120,000 per annum for five years
In light of the major rejuvenation projects underway there will be more facilities capable of hosting multi-day conferences, exhibitions, sporting events and concerts than ever in Lower Hutt. This budget is proposed to employee a skilled conference sales and marketing person, with a budget set aside to pitch for new business opportunities, attend trade shows, and develop material to bring these events to Lower Hutt.

Community consultation through the Annual Plan process from Tuesday 29 March until Friday 29 April.

Copies of the draft Annual Plan consultation document will be available from Council facilities, including libraries and pools, 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 from members of the public who choose to speak on their submission.

Council will adopt the Annual Plan and budget on Thursday 23 June.

ENDS

© Scoop Media