Rates, dogs, service debated

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 401, 27 August 1991, Page 18

Rates, dogs, service debated

At the recent Waiouru Community Board meeting, considerable discussion was held on the making the rates 91/92. In general Waiouru ratepayers will see a reduction for residential properties of about 20%, on last year's 320% increase. Commercial ratepayers will also receive a reduced rates bill, particularly associated with the halving of the 90/91 sewerage rates. However a new district promotional rate will be added. A major change is seen in water charges,

from reading water meters to a standard once-only annual $100 charge. SERVICES A heated debate took place on the district council services within Waiouru. In Bob Vine's opinion Waiouru ratepayers pay rates equal to anyone else in the District and deserve some form of service within Waiouru and that deployment of council staff on a part time basis / would not be unreasonable. The Waiouru Ward have questioned this subject since the begin-

ning of the Ruapehu District and say ratepayers still feel as isolated as they did 15 or 30 years ago. Dog Control Again the subject of dog control and district support towards Waiouru activities was debated. This item has been discussed on many occasions since the inclusion of Waiouru into the District. The board felt the District staff are being unreasonable when they claim that there is no dog problem within Waiouru.

Bob Vine said this was absolute rubbish, and could be confirmed by local farmers, Defence administration and people who reside in Waiouru. Last month the Ruapehu District Council adopted new districtwide dog control bylaws, but to be effective within Waiouru they must be positively enforced said the committee. Bob Vine feels that the by-laws fail to identify the need for stock molesting dog owners to make good farmers' financial losses.