Rural rate reduced

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 287, 23 May 1989, Page 4

Rural rate reduced

The Waimarino rural ward's rate requirement for the 1989/90 financial year has been changed from .9187 in the dollar, to .88058. The change came about after a deputation of former Waimarino County councillor Bruce Berry and John Martin protested that the original quote of .9187 would bring about an increase of 12.98 percent on last year's rural ward amount, not the 5.7 percent figure previously quoted by council. District Manager John Murrihy stessed

that the 5.7 percent figure was the increase in the amount required to fund its activities and not an increase on last year's rates. The council offers ratepayers who pay their rates in a lump sum by the due date, a discount of seven percent. This figure equates to around 20 percent for the year. The first instalment date for rates was amended by council, from June 30 to July 5. Deputy Mayor Bruce Thompson moved to reduce the rural ward's closing balance to $20,000 from the original $50,000, and amend the rate requirement to .88058 in the dollar. The general rate is now less than 5.7 percent if ratepayers take advantage of the discount and pay their rates on time.