Guy Burns Deputy Chair of Raumati Paraparaumu Community Board is outraged at the latest hike in rates.
“Kapiti Coast District Council is planning an average rates increase of five (4.8) percent. They’ve brought it down from
a planned 6 percent; probably because it’s election year. Five percent is on the high side and kept up because of the
massive debt built up by historic Council high spending.
“The KCDC rise, combined with Greater Wellington Regional Council’s planned massive 9 percent rise will hit ratepayers
deeply in the pocket.
“KCDC rates can be cut back if Councillors instruct the Chief Executive to reduce the massive organisational expenditure
which increases steadily every year. Over 300 staff work full time at KCDC and most carry out essential work in a
professional manner. Within the 300 staff are roles which are non-essential—the cream on top of the cake. These obscure
roles need to be identified and cut out.
“Greater Wellington Regional Council’s huge increase is outrageous and reflects an organisation out of control, with no
ability to work efficiently and within reasonable fiscal means. The one million dollar glorified staff smoko-hut/meeting
rooms in Queen Elizabeth Park hasn’t helped our rates bill either.
“I call for an organisation review of Kapiti Coast District Council, with the aim of rationalising the workforce based
on efficiency, effectiveness and productivity. Return Council spending to essential services. Also, Kapiti should break
from the Regional Council and manage its own affairs
Ends