Many waiouru objections to increased rates

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 374, 19 February 1991, Page 5

Many waiouru objections to increased rates

By

Clare

Fenn

Last Tuesday night's Waiouru Community Board meeting was well attended by local ratepayers who engaged the Board the Mayor and the General Manager in lively debate over rating, water and sewerage concerns.

Many ratepayers felt that it was unfair of the Council to charge $39.00 for rubbish collections which had only lasted for two rubbish days. Mr Bob Vine, Chairperson of the Waiouru Community Board, replied that this

charge was due to costs incurred by the council prior to the contract being cancelled once it was realised that the total cost of rubbish collection was going to increase rates by up to $200 a year. Many ratepayers said

that they could not understand why they had to pay for sewerage for vacant sections, and complained about the general increase in rates. The Mayor explained the rating philosophy to the meeting. The General Manager also explained that the increase in water rates was due to 'binding contracts inherited from the old Rangitikei County Council' and 'the reduction in rates paid by Defence', which in effect meant that Waiouru ratepayers had to cover the costs in their rates.

Some ratepayers were not prepared to accept the explanations offered and have asked for a written explanation of rates increases in a 'plain English'. Mr Vine suggested that a meeting be set up between ratepayers and a representative from the Council in order to sort out problems with rates demands, such as the short time given to pay the rates, and the 10% penalty being improperly charged in some cases. The Mayor offered his services in sorting out these problems and was

to meet ratepayers at a special meeting on Monday at 5.30 pm at the Golf Club. The Mayor also mentioned the Council's freephone service which people could use. The General Manager, Mr Cliff Houston presented a report on the review of basis of election and Constitution of Communities, which is undertaken every three years. This review is done to ensure that everything is running properly and gives community boards an opportunity to voice the community's views on

the district electoral system (ward versus whole district voting). After a short discussion it was agreed that a special workshop meeting be arranged to discuss this topic and all its implications on 19 February, 6pm at the Golf Club. Board member Nia Carter asked people to come along to the meeting to express their views, as it was important to know how effective the board is and to suggest improvements. Updates on other issues were also discused. The proposal to put in

underground wires in Rangipo Street will not go ahead as it has been costed at around $40,000. The bus stop outside the Kia Ora proposal will go forward to the Council for approval. (this was approved by the council on Friday) The state highway directional sign, which is an obstruction to residents, will be discussed with Transit New Zealand. The 70km speed limit sign on the state highway won't be moved 200m north, as the Ministry of Transport says it goes against national guidelines.