ground policy 'not fair'

Ruapehu Bulletin, 1 December 1992, Page 1

ground policy 'not fair'

The way the council administers its recreation reserves is not fair, according to staff, but councillors could not agree that a policy presented last Friday was any better. Councillors were considering a part-user charges policy on recreation reserves which would see some sports clubs paying more for the use of council reserves and some paying when they were not charged before. The policy presented to council last week was not a revenue gathering exercise, said general manager Cliff Houston. "We are trying to devise a method consistent throughout the district." He said the policy would see 22.5 per cent of the council's recreation reserves maintenance costs recovered. "That means the council would be paying 78 per cent of the costs," he said. The council was told that some groups are already paying towards maintenance of their

grounds, while others pay nothing. For example the Raetihi Rugby Football Club presently pays nothing for the use of its grounds, while the Athletic Rugby Football Club currently pays $240. Under the policy the clubs would pay $290 each. If a club wanted exclusive use, they would lease the land from council. "But who is saying it's not fair (at present)?" asked Cr Kirton. "It's not the people - it's the administration." He said the present system was costing $2-$3 per ratepayer. "I've talked to people from the (Taumarunui) Golf Club, who pay all their maintenance costs, and they say 'sure it's not fair, but so what. They want to see all sport supported." "How can we charge one club $200-$300 and another nothing?" asked Mr Houston. "If it is to be totally subsidised by the ratepayer, it should be for all of them." Turn to page 2

Sports grounds

From page 1 Cr Bob Peck said it was time to look at the council's social policy and consider supporting sports and other activities more. "It is time to develop a consistent policy and not decide these things ad-hoc." He said the council should look at supporting libraries, sports and pensioner flats more, for the good of the district.