Charitable Fees exemption possible in fees and charges review

Far North charitable organisations and papakainga could be entitled to part or full exemption from paying development consent fees under a new policy proposed as part of the Far North District Council’s annual review of fees and charges.

The charitable fees exemptions could cost the council around $50,000 to $100,000 in the next financial year, depending on the criteria that are developed and the number of applications received.

“We see this as a way for the council to assist non-profit making projects that add to the quality and well being of our communities,” Mayor Wayne Brown comments. “We have a part to play in helping all of our people prosper.”

The review further recommends a greater shift to user pays with fees increased by an average 50 per cent and funded more by the applicant user. This change is estimated to free up around $700,000 for roads, sewerage and stormwater in keeping with the council’s stated intention to build the district’s infrastructure.

The proposed average increase generally reflects increased costs for larger developments such as subdivisions and a drop in fees for smaller projects such as decks and freestanding fireplaces. It amounts to about one per cent of the total cost of an average house building project in the district.

In addition, the council proposes an upfront cash bond payment which would give applicants an estimate of the overall cost of their development consent fees before their applications are processed, and reduce the incidence of unpaid and disputed costs at the final stage of the resource consent process.

The option of paying a bond on building consents to cover liability for about five years for a reduced consent fee will also be considered.

The proposed schedule of fees and charges will be available from council service centres, libraries, i-Sites and website for public comment from Monday April 21. Submissions close on Friday May 16, after which a delegated committee will hear the views of those who wish to state their comments in person.

” I strongly encourage submissions on any good and sensible options during this consultation process,” Mayor Brown said. “I undertake that these will be given full and fair consideration during our deliberations prior to adopting the fees and charges.”

It is expected the revised schedule of fees and charges will take effect from July 1 this year.