Election wait

Ruapehu Bulletin, 17 August 1990, Page 4

Election wait

• I was mortified to read of the financial consequences a uniform flat rate would pose to some of the Ruapehu district rate payers. Locally, those rate payers in the Waimarino county. The almost 80% increase in rates payable by county rate payers seems to indicate that the County was in the past a poorly run inefficient organisation. On the contrary, a strong financial position at the time of amalgamating with Raetihi and Ohakune boroughs, the consistent upgrading of plant and machinery, a programme of road improvement and upgrading point to an efficient body run by diligent staff and councillors. The uniform annual general charge to cover administration costs, could perhaps be broadened to include public amenities (libraries, swimming pools etc). Short of a poll tax this may be the fairest method of recovering those costs. But a uniform rate on top of this would give those who receive fewer services the distinction of contributing the most. It appears inevitable that there will be a rate increase of some description. The rationalisation and restructuring of local body administration facilities and plant and machinery resources was obviously not designed to save money. Before any rating policy is put in place permanently it may be prudent to wait until after the upcoming general election and perhaps a

change of government. A possible new government may have alternative policies relating to local authority boundaries and management initiatives.

Alfred

Alabaster

Raetihi