26 June 2017
Palmerston North City Council adopts Annual Budget and sets rates
Palmerston North City Council has confirmed an overall rates increase of 2.9 per cent for the year beginning July 2017,
down from the 3.1 per cent proposed in the provisional budget.
The Annual Budget for 2017/18 was formally adopted today at a Council meeting.
PNCC Interim Chief Executive, David Wright says Council remains committed to keeping Palmerston North a great place to
live while making the most of opportunities for growth.
“As always we take our responsibility to manage and renew the city’s infrastructure very seriously as it underpins our
community’s health and wellbeing. At the same time we’re investing in some really exciting projects including the
redevelopment of our Central Library, the Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery Centre, and the He Ara Kotahi cycle and
pedestrian bridge.”
Nearly 150 submissions were received on the provisional budget which went out for consultation in April.
“As a result of feedback from residents we added in funding for improvements to the cricket facilities at Fitzherbert
Park, the sealing of Forest Hill Road, maintenance of the Arapuke mountain bike trails, and a shared pathway in Walkers
Road, Longburn. We’ve also committed $500,000 to the works required at Ashhurst Domain to prevent further erosion.”
Council has also committed to paying back an extra $130,000 in debt in preparation for future major projects including
the city’s wastewater upgrade.
“We’re in a strong position financially and I’m really excited about what we can achieve for the city over the next 12
months,” Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith says.
“We have a city to run but we’re also thinking big with our major projects which will be real game changers for the
city.”
Rates assessments and invoices will go out on 1 August.
ends