Council Finds Support For Fairer Rating Proposals
With two-thirds of submissions now analysed, ratepayers in the Far North have generally favoured changes designed to mitigate anomalies and move closer to a ‘fairer’ rating system.
But communities negatively impacted by the changes have predictably reacted strongly against aspects of the proposal.
Close to 1100 submissions to the council's Draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022 had been received by the closing date (April 19).
Of this number, 700 submissions have been entered to the council's data base with a further 400 still to be catalogued, an exercise likely to take two weeks.
Submissions to the draft plan mainly relate to proposed changes to the rating system.
While there is majority support in principle, there has been a strong anti-reaction over aspects of the proposed changes.
Opposition has come from communities such as Russell and Hihi which face substantial rate increases as a result of the proposal to fund the capital costs of sewerage systems on a scheme-by-scheme basis.
Russell and high-valued coastal properties also face increased costs as a result of a proposal to reduce the Uniform Annual Charge in the rate formula.
The transport, farming and forestry sectors have also reacted against a proposal to introduce a targeted differential rate designed to recover a greater share of roading costs from logging and heavy traffic users.
There has been a mixed, but generally favourable, reception to proposals to:
- increase the general rate to provide for storm repairs
- break the general rate into nine separate differentials to more closely reflect the ‘user pays’ principle
- increase charges for water supplies
- abandon ward rates.
Submissions also include a petition with close to 2000 signatories calling for a new indoor swimming pool complex for Kaitaia.
The petitioners are seeking an aquatic centre with heated pool, hydrotherapy pool and associated facilities.
A second petition supported by more than 400 businesses and residents at Kawakawa has opposed any reduction in services to small rural communities.
The petition also calls for:
- improvements to the pool and gym at the ASB Recreation Centre in Kawakawa
- the reinstatement of the Johnson Park footbridge destroyed by floods
- support for the development of a Hundertwasser Centre
- a skate park and youth centre
- a public transport service.
At Kohukohu, 115 residents have petitioned against the proposed sale of the township's pensioner housing units.
More than 200 submitters have asked to speak to councillors about their written submissions.
The council has scheduled a series of hearings at Kaikohe, Kaitaia and Kerikeri from May 14-21 to hear those seeking to make further oral submissions.
Councillors will deliberate on all submissions received in June.