28 June 2018

Long Term Plan Adopted With Lower Rates than Originally Proposed

The Hurunui District Council (HDC) has adopted its 2018-2028 Long Term Plan (LTP) at its June meeting today, after considering over 200 submissions and hearing from a number of submitters.

The adoption of the document formalises the council’s ten year programme and also confirms the rating figures for the next ten years.

The council has finalised its key work programmes and the expenditure for these, resulting in an 8.0 percent average rate increase across the district for the 2018/19 year, a 6.0 percent average increase for 2019/20, and a 5.0 percent average increase in the 2020/21 year.

It is worth noting that the effects of the overall increases will vary across the district from ratepayer to ratepayer depending on the area a property is located in, the targeted rates applied and the services that are provided.

Mayor Winton Dalley says the council heard from a significant number of ratepayers on the key issues highlighted in the consultation document and has worked hard to address the feedback, while balancing this with the determination to keep rates at an affordable level.

“The submissions received on our original LTP proposals have been hugely valuable and have contributed to the final document adopted”

“Deliberation between councillors has resulted in slightly lower rates for the 2018/19 year than the council originally proposed in the draft LTP, which is a great outcome.”

“This is especially true when we consider the substantial earthquake damage our assets have sustained and the ongoing cost of meeting our environmental obligations when it comes to things like sewerage disposal and drinking water standards.”

“Careful consideration of the most cost effective way to complete key projects and meet the ongoing needs of our community, coupled with a track record of prudent financial management has left the council in a position where our rating increases compare favourably with other Canterbury territorial authorities,” Mayor Dalley says.

The final LTP, with the full details of HDC’s work programmes, will be made publicly available on the council’s website www.hurunui.govt.nz within the next week.

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