Ruapehu Mayor outlines 1991-92 rate changes

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 396, 23 July 1991, Page 10

Ruapehu Mayor outlines 1991-92 rate changes

The Council at a special meeting held last Friday resolved to publicly notify its inten-

tions of collecting 0.5% less in rates and charges than it did in the previous financial year.

However, due to property re-valuations and changes in the cost of water sewerage and refuse

collection charges rates will vary by different amounts around the District.

In the Waimarino and Waiouru wards the general rate drops to 1.07cents in the dollar of land value for all ratepayers. Last year this rate was set at 1.38cents in the dollar for all rateable properties other than those in the former Waimarino County area, where it was set at 1.08cents. The fact this outcome has been achieved without cutting basic maintenance programmes, in particular roading, is significant given the difficult financial situation inherited by the Council. Waiouru In Waiouru, Defence will now pay far less in rates than was the case

with Rangitikei County at the time of the amalgamation. This year the Waiouru residential and commercial property owner will pay a water charge of $100 minimum annually and sewerage $120 annually thanks to Defence offering the Council a better deal for the supply of water and the use of their sewage system. Waimarino In Waimarino, where it was feared rural rates might rise a further 20 odd percent once last years' differential rate was removed, there is instead a slight decrease in the general rate from 1.08cents in the dollar of land value to 1.07cents. In Ohakune the water charge increases due to additional costs associated with the upgrading of the water supply. In Raetihi the sewerage charge increases due to additional costs associated with the possible establishment of a meat plant and the subsequent requirement of another aerated pond. I intend convening a public meeting to explain the reason for this once the outcome of the AFFCO objection is known. District promotion rate This rate, to be levied on commercial and industrial properties is not excessive at 0.5255cents in the dollar on land value ie $52.55 per $10,000 (ten thousand) of land/unimproved value. This rate is being levied over and above the amount being collected via the general rate, for promotion of the District. It will enable a District Marketing Officer to be appointed who will be required to provide for our District the excellent sort of promotion being provided for the Taupo District by their officer. 1990/91 Result A final result for the 1990/91 financial year is not yet available. Early indications however, point to a good result being achieved. Hopefully this will be the case for obvious reasons, and the reason ratepayers and residents gain confidence in the Council and the way it is operating. Ruapehu Construction Limited There is concern being expressed about the establishment of our Company 'Ruapehu Construction Limited and the fact this Company has won the State Highway maintenance contract for all State Highways in the Ruapehu District. I've heard the term 'Empire Building' used and the view expressed the Council should be looking after it's own roading network properly before tackling State Highways. What ought to be borne in mind here is the

B Y GARRICK WORKMAN, RUAPEHU DISTRICT COUNCIL MAYOR unenviable situation the Council found itself in once The Transit New Zealand Act and subsequent changes to the Act were implemented. A considerable amount of work normally undertaken by our own work staff was no longer available unless the Council formed it's own Company and tendered for that work along with other contractors. Further, a reduction in the District roading programme meant even less work would be available in future. It became obvious some of our own staff might well have been made redundant unless more work was found. Another important factor to be considered was the cost and availability of contractors to undertake Council roading work that could not be carried out by the Councils Business Unit. After thoroughly discussing and considering all aspects of the matter Council resolved it should retain and maintain a strong operational workforce in the District. I believe that decision was wise given our ability to tender more competitively than other contractors and that we remain in control of operations. Ohakune water treatment Believe it or not progress is being made with this project. A useful meeting was held recently between DOC representatives and the Council Technical Services Director, Engineer and myself to discuss a proposal to site a reservoir at the Mangawhero Camping Ground in the National Park. Rather than comment further on these discussions I would prefer to advise Council is still on target to commence work on the project this summer. Raetihi zone change The Zone Change required for the Parapara/George Street section to enable the establishment of a meat plant is progressing well. Council will now serve notice on AFFCO advising them of the proposed scheme change. From receipt of that notice AFFCO have seven days to object to the proposed scheme change. Provided AFFCO still wished to object Council will advertise their objection and the public will be invited to make cross objections in support of AFFCO or submissions in opposition to their objection. Following that Council will convene a hearing at which the AFFCO objection, cross objections and submissions will be heard. Council will then make their decision and any party objecting to that decision may appeal to the Planning Tribunal.