Revaluation brings major swings for the south

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 687, 20 May 1997, Page 9

Revaluation brings major swings for the south

One of the major issues faced by Council in drawing up its 1 997/98 Draft Annual Plan, has been a major shift in land values across the District. Unlike the 1993 triennial revaluation which impacted sharply on rural land values in the north, the District must now deal with a situation where 62% of the Districtwide increase in land value falls on the two southern wards. While this will dramatically affect the amount of land value-based rates payable by some of our ratepayers in the Waimarino and Waiouru Wards, we are of the view that Council must be consistent to its policy and the precedent established in 1994. Both require that the rates must be determined by the land values on the Valuation Roll. These events have shown in our recent history to be cyclical and to interfere will only compound the policy and equity issues inherent therein. Council will be investing considerable effort over the next year in the development of a long term financial plan for all areas of its operations to ensure that proper priorities are established and all aspects of utilities and services are fully considered in the context of the community's total needs. The ability of the District to resource the required works and to develop methods and systems for the equitable sharing of the cost of those works will be a major consideration during this planning period. The focus in terms of establishing priorities will be to firstly meet Council's statutory responsibilities; secondly to ensure that the existing assets are maintained to the best possible standard; and, only then, will Council turn its attention to pursuing improvements or additions to the existing level of service. Amenity improvements Mainstreet proposals continue to represent a major issue for Council as a significant stakeholder in those initiatives. I am pleased that Council has been able to budget for capital improvements in Taumarunui in respect of toilets, lighting and footpaths. Beeause this work is being funded by long termborrowing, Council has had to take the prudent path and only commit to those things that can be classed as capital improvements. I have no doubt the willingness of the community to see this project advanced will bring an excellent response towards aspects of Mainstreet that require volunteer input.

Councillors and staff have assessed and considered public input so far, the results are now open for comment.