Rates hike faces country ward

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 280, 28 March 1989, Page 1

Rates hike faces country ward

Waimarino's rural ward are facing a possible combined rate increase of 20 per cent for 1989/90.

At last week's full council meeting discussions began on the draft estimates for the Waimarino District Council for the next financial year. They include an estimated income needed for the rural ward of $1,028,170, up from a budgeted income of $821,803 for 1988/89. District Manager John Murrihy told the Bulletin he couldn't see many areas were the rates could be trimmed. Opening balance He said factors leading to the increase included the holding down of last year's overall rate take to 1.8 per cent: If the council had increased rates by, say, five per cent last year the ward would only face a similar rise this year. Last year's opening balance of $146,000 was used to offset an increase then, but this year's opening balance would be down to $30,518. Overall the ward's expenditure for the year would not increase greatly, according to the estimates. Roading work would increase by $21,000 to $481,748, and the Pipiriki and Rangataua sewerage schemes would add $38,000, said Mr Murrihy, which means all other spending would actually be reduced. The increase in GST would have an effect on

the estimates also. Raetihi Ward's estimates will most probably fare better, with a rise of five per cent estimated in the draft. But Raetihi councillor Tom Punch was not happy with even five per cent. He felt because much of Raetihi's scheme loans monies had been repaid that ratepayers should not have to face any rise. He called for a number of cuts - adding up to about $27,000 - to eliminate the rise, which was supported by other R aetihi Councillors. However, Murrihy said adjustments such as for the GST increase and for the returning of National Roads Board funds, t-he savings would be offset and the increase might be held to about three per cent. Nil increase Ohakune ratepayers face no increase as the draft estimates stand. This would be mainly due to the lesser roads streets and bridges work needed in the 1989/90 year, said Mr Murrihy. The estimates have yet to be worked through by councillors because of lack of time at last week's meeting. The discussion will continue at the next council meeting on April 12, and from there the final estimates worked out.