COUNTY RATE RAISED

Chronicle (Levin), 10 June 1948, Page 8

COUNTY RATE RAISED

Council's Decision In Face Of Increased Costs t? i. _ :& • A decision to raise. its general rate from 1 15/34d to 1 41/64d in the £ was reached at the monthly meeting of the Horowhenua County Council yesterday, This is the first increase for two years and it is necessary as a result of rising costs " In an effort to ensure an earller payment, the council will allow a rebate of five per cent. on the general rate if paid before the expiration of 30 days after the due date, September 1. The 10 per cent. penalty will still apply- on rates unpaid after six months and 14 days. J , The hospital rate remains at -|d in the £1, the same as for la'st year. The council made the decision reluctantly, but it had little option if road maintenance and other county amenities are to be continued. at a satisfactory level. Expenditu're during the. year ending March 31, 1949, is estimated at £48,939 and revenue from all sources except rates at £18,942. In order to balance the budget an estimated sum of £29, 997 is required and that must be 'found by way of rates. . , .

The main items comprismg tne estimated expenditure of £48,939 are: Maintenance and construction work on district roads and highways, £15,000; county share of main highway costs, £5532; interest, etc., on loans, £7222; salaries, £3350; general stock purchases, £6500; benzine, oil and grease purchases, £3200; and miscellaneous, £2500. On the revenue side the main items in the total of £18,942 are: Stock transfers after charge to plant -or jobs, £5500; benzine, oil and grease after charge to plant, £3000; Government subsidies on rates, £2400; heavy traffic fees, j t £2500; work for Crown, local bodjies and settlers, £500; credit ballance at April 1, 1948, £2392; motor Jdrivers' licences, £400; and miscellaneous, £2000.