Lump Sum Option An 'Excellent' Suggestion

A Dannevirke ratepayer’s suggestion that a ‘lump sum’ payment could be an attractive rating option for the Dannevirke Town Centre Refurbishment Project is about to be put to the test.

His idea was well supported by councillors following consultation in late 2006.

The choice to pay a ‘lump sum’ instead of annual loan payments spread over 20 years was an “excellent suggestion,” chief executive Roger Twentyman said.

It’s about giving the ratepayers a choice.

While the ratepayer pays immediately and therefore avoids ongoing rates payments the council will need less debt.

Ratepayers are currently receiving letters outlining the three payment options available.

On a ‘do nothing’ basis payments would be made annually over 20 years; option two is to pay the lump sum in quarterly instalments in one year; the ‘once only’ choice is the lump sum payment.

The required amounts are weighted according to ward, with ratepayers in the South Ward contributing a smaller amount than their northern counterparts.

The council believes that the refurbishment of the Dannevirke Town Centre will not only benefit the town, but also the outlying community and district “in respect of safety, attractiveness, sense of place and its durability.”

The project is a complete makeover from the ground up including the laying of water mains and provision for telecommunications, paving, streetscaping, furniture, tree planting and green spaces.

“It’s about supporting each other to get these projects done and it is an investment in our community,” Mr Twentyman said.

And despite some understandable frustration from retailers whose businesses have been temporarily affected by earthworks outside their premises the council is confident that public ‘buy in’ will intensify with each milestone reached by the contractors Infracon Limited and its subcontractors.

Already the wide, sweeping street corners created by the new paving are adding texture and interest to the main street and street furniture is imminent.

And while the December 8 deadline for completion can’t come fast enough few would doubt that the result will be well worth waiting for.