Council reduces proposed rates increase

Manukau City Council is proposing a rates increase of 4.9 per cent for 2008/09, down from the 5.9 per cent set out in its Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP).



Mayor Len Brown says rates increases must be affordable and from a ratepayer point of view there is considerable pressure to keep rates increases to a minimum.



“I recognise that the city wants pools, libraries, recreation centres and other services, but we also have to recognise that ratepayers do not want rates rises either. We are listening to what our ratepayers are saying, and we must balance what is achievable and what is affordable,” Mr Brown says.



“Our rating revenue is always ahead of our calculations, and we are already ahead of our rating projections for the year. This is an opportunity for us to show some restraint.”



However, while the council is looking for restraint, there is still considerable expenditure on capital works, with major projects planned.



“We see this level of increase, at 4.9 per cent, as reasonable and sustainable, without any compromise to the city’s future. It is up to us to identify across the council’s organisation where efficiencies can be made, ensuring that levels of service are maintained and our planned capital works can continue.



“This is a proposal, and we are consulting through the Draft Annual Plan. We now need to wait for people to communicate their views through their submissions.



The council’s Draft Annual Plan and proposed rates increase will now go out for public consultation. The full document will be available in the week of 17 March at the council’s libraries, customer centre and on the council website, www.manukau.govt.nz, where an on-line submission form will be available. A summary of the plan will also be published in the 23 March issue of the council’s publication Manukau Matters.



Submissions close on 18 April, before public hearings of submissions in May. The plan will be finalised at the council’s meeting on 19 June.