$150,000 to spend

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 297, 1 August 1989, Page 1

$150,000 to spend

Waimarino has about $150,000 to spend on reserves projects and each ward's councillors are this month looking for suitable projects for the fund.

Mayor Workman brought up the subject of the reserves fund at the last full council meeting, suggesting it was timely to look at suitable projects. He said the council can look at a number of small projects or one large one that may attract a government subsidy. District Manager John Murrihy explained to councillors that the legislation covering reserves funds dictates that such money does not have to be spent in the area it was raised, but projects have to be of benefit to the people of that area. He said it could be debated that the money could be spent on recreation facilities in

Taumarunui or Wanganui or Palmerston North, which Waimarino people could then use. Councillor Thompson said he felt the Waimarino District Council would have a better idea of where the money should be spent than the new Ruapehu District Council. He said the Ohakune Ward had a substantial share of the reserves fund. "I can assure councillor Thompson that the money will not all be spent in one block," said Cr Doug Bennett. He suggested some be spent on Ruatiti Domain facilities. Tm not suggesting we go ahead willy-nilly and waste it, but that

we look at possible uses," said Mayor Workman. He said if the new Ruapehu District Council proved to be anything like the Waimarino District Council debate would go on and on and the money would never be used.

Mr Murrihy explained to the council that the money could not be spent on reserves maintenance but had to pay for capital projects. Cr Ken Summerhays asked how the money was split between the wards, but exact figures

were not available at the meeting. "Rather than determine whose got what let's look at where the best use of the money would be," said Mayor Workman. He said council should look at projects on their individual merits.