Promotion and parks in 10-Year Plan discussion

Economic development and promotion of Hamilton, capital expenditure, funding depreciation of the city’s assets, and further Parks and Gardens budget savings are among the items to be discussed during Hamilton City Council’s next 10-Year Plan meeting.

Council meets again on Monday, 31 October, to examine a range of 10-Year Plan proposals. It is the eighth in a series of meetings during which Council hears recommendations from staff as part of its drive to make operational savings of $14.5 million and control civic debt.

Key 10-Year Plan proposals on Monday’s agenda include guiding decisions on funding of future capital projects.

Council will also receive a report from Waikato University’s Institute of Business Research which examines economic development for the city.

Changes to the boundary of the Central Business District Business Improvement District will also be considered.

A reduction of $1.86 million to Council’s economic development and city promotion budgets is also proposed.

Although not a 10-Year Plan proposal, Council will also discuss a recommended sale of eight Council-owned properties, two of which are already on the market. These properties include two land and dwelling packages, as well as a large Carrs Road property which could be subdivided and developed. Collectively, the properties are worth an estimated $2.8 to $3.6 million.

Continued discussion of the Parks and Open Spaces budget is also scheduled for Monday’s meeting. Proposals include closure of five city fountains, reduction in weed spraying on park boundaries, and less maintenance of city sports fields, including mowing frequencies.

Chief executive Barry Harris said: “Council’s financial challenges and goals are significant, and the 10-Year Plan proposals are part of a broader programme to achieve our aim of sound fiscal management.”