$715,000 for amalgamation

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 286, 9 May 1989, Page 3

$715,000 for amalgamation

At the instruction of the Ruapehu District Transition Committee the amalgamating body's managers have prepared a budget for committee expenses and amalgamation expenses. At a recent committee bumped up more than meeting the committee $60,000, to $250,000, expenses budget was to be funded by the au-

thorities according to population. Amalgamation expenses are budgeted to be $465,000, to be funded by the new district when formed, possibly by raising a loan. The Transition Committee budget relates to

cost that will be incurred before September 1989 and the amalgamation expenses will be those incurred between September 1989 and March 1990. Transition Committee chairman Carrick Workman said the

committee did not know if the amalgamation would cost the $715,000 budgeted. The managers asked the committee to appreciate the difficulty in determining likely or probable costs where "decisions which will

play a major part in the level of finance required" have not yet been made. The officers pointed out figures in the budget which were difficult to assess. Among figures they highlighted were consultants' fees and senior management appointment costs and salaries. Other expenses includedcommittee operating expenses ($5000) support services, general

manager's salary and appointment costs. Indefinite amalgamation costs would include senior staff salaries, filing system and records ($50,000, depot relocation expenses ($20,000), and temporary office alterations ($100,000). Other amalgamation expenses would include printing and stationery ($35,000), computer and telecommunications systems ($80,000).