Tararua District Council briefs

Lump sum payment: With almost 28% of people contacted and rated for the Dannevirke Town Centre Refurbishment opting to pay the one off lump sum contribution, the council will have achieved a great result of just over $526,000 against a budget of $200,000. This would reduce the loan funding to under $1.5 million, chief executive Roger Twentyman said. Of those electing the lump sum option, 85% have chosen to pay in the first rate instalment and receive the discount, whilst the remainder will make quarterly repayments during the year.
 

Fibre optics: As the installation of fibre optics continues through the district, agreements are currently being prepared for the use of and access to the town centre ducting, along with council sites in varying locations in the district. A recommendation that council authorise the transfer of $20,000 from existing budgets to purchase 20 year access to six pairs of fibre from Dannevirke to Norsewood was accepted. $15,000 will come from Community Support and $5,000 from the Information Services budget.
 

Huxley drain back-pat: Praise came the way of district assets manager Stephen Taylor when progress with the upgrade of Pahiatua’s Huxley drain was mentioned in the chief executive’s report. “The result is outstanding and the public is very appreciative,” Cr David Lee told Mr Taylor.
 

Woodville impounded supply. Repair work on the face of the dam has allowed water levels at the Woodville impounded supply (town dam) to rise to the full level, which last year took until November. And by minor alterations to the overflow weir, 15% more storage could be achieved, which could equate to a further two weeks’ water supply during summer, Mr Taylor told councillors.