Borough Council Finances

Grey River Argus, 8 October 1948, Page 8

Borough Council Finances

Westport Borough rates have increased from Is 5d in the £ to 2s 9d between 1932-3 and 1948-9, but the wages bill in the same period has risen from £9900 to £23,780, and _total expenditure from £32,053 to £85,000. In the former year the debit balance was £2020, while this year £4500 is in credit. The number of employees has increased from 31 to 51. This year 96 per cent, of the rates was collected compared with 81 per cent, in 1932-3. In loans £60,000 was raised during the period by roll of ratepayers, for which rates are collected amounting to Sid in the pound, which if not raised would have reduced the present rate from 2s 9d to 2s Old, or less than the rate required in 1933 to keep the financial position sound. Of the present rates, lid in the pound is levied for the repayment of authorised loans.