CHB Annual Plan balances the budget

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s Annual Plan 2010-2011 has allowed Council to recommend a 3.3% rate rise slightly less than the 4-5% predicted in the Long Term Council Community Plan.

There were 30 submissions received from the public and hearings were held in May. This year’s Annual Plan was then adopted on 24 June 2010, and explains how Council is staying on track and sticking to the community agreed long term goals, while reflecting savings in some areas e.g. Roading ($207k), our three Waters ($220k) and Parks & Reserves ($71k).

A major positive is that Council is out of deficit for the first time in five years (a year earlier than predicted) and made adjustments resulting in a rate requirement of $15059k as opposed to the $15280k.

Whilst this is good news for the CHB community – Mayor Trish Giddens says it should be remembered that 2010-2011 is one year within the 10 year planning horizon, and there still remain a number of unquantifiable future costs – particularly in the waste water area.

Mayor Giddens remains happy with the adopted Annual Plan and the reduced rating requirement, but she is mindful to keep Council on track and make as much progress as possible. She says, “2010 is the triennial Local Body election year – and a new Council in October will need to be mindful of the long term goals and to keep the momentum going forward.”

Council has decided not to conduct another rating review – but with better information now becoming available and affecting the Solid Waste, Roading and Waste Water Activities, there will likely be a need for an amendment to the 2009/19 LTCCP early 2011.

In the meantime, Council will continue to investigate efficiencies, source revenue, and review and monitor practices in a bid to keep CHB sustainable and affordable for all.

ENDS

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