Regional rates to rise

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 680, 1 April 1997, Page 3

Regional rates to rise

An increase of 2.04 per cent in the general rate has been proposed by the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council in its draft annual plan and budget for the 1997-98 financial year. The proposed increase; allows for additional possum control as well as improved communication and education activities. "Possum control continues to be a major activity for Council. The good news is that our efforts in this regard are having a very significant effect in lowering the incidence of bovine Tb as well as improving the sustainability of the region's indigenous flora and fauna," said chairman Don Linklater. 'The additional possum control costs relate to increased costs of carrying out possum operations, as well as 'national' costs which have been applied for the first time. National costs are the charges which are part of a National Bovine Tb strategy but are not directly applicable to 'on the ground' operations."

More communication with ratepayers and education about resource management issues are also planned. "We wish to promote the benefits of sustainable management and develop programmes to promote this through environmental education, promotion of land care groups and riparian management," said council general manager Euan Dempsey. Other factors influencing the proposed rate increase include the costs of inflation and a reduction in interest and dividends revenue, he added. "Despite facing these factors, it is worthy to note that the percentage increases in the general rate have been less than Turn to Page 4

Regional rates to rise

FROM PAGE 3 half the increase in inflation since 1 989," said Mr Linklater. He added that the incidence of rates will vary , following changes in government property valuations which have seen rises in some districts and falls in values in others. Also mentioned in Mr Linklater' s report is regional tourism. He said that "it has been intimated (by territorial authorities) that the regional council should take responsibility for funding a regional tourism organisation. The annual plan process may clarify the views of the territorial authorities in regard to this matter of funding." It was noted that funding for a regional tourism organisation has not been included in the draft annual plan. The draft annual plan will be available for public comment with submissions to close on 2 May 1997. Regional rates are collected by district councils, with the amount identified on rate demands.