Waimarino rates to skyrocket, despite council's tight budget control

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 688, 27 May 1997, Page 1

Waimarino rates to skyrocket, despite council's tight budget control

Despite rates increases of up to 23 pr cent for some Waimarino rural property owors and 1 6 per cent for some Waimarino urba property owners, Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton says hat "strict control on funds has resulted in containing expnditure to an acceptable level in the 1997/98, Draft Annial Plan". The total income for the council is down fom $20.03 million last year to $17.3 million. "However, the variance of valuations aroundhe district is unavoidable, although expected with this beng a large district," said Mr Kirton, noting that "this chang will have a huge impact in the Waimarino". Adding to the substantial rates hike for the Wnarino, user charges for rubbish for the ward have inDeased. Mr Kirton said Waimarino' s rubbish colfection and landfill maintenance cost more than in the nortland this is underlined by the whopping 193 per cent mDe that the ward's landowners will pay over their northen counterparts. (Waimarino rubbish rate: $1 32 per property; northern wards: $45). Mr Kirton said "extended landfill hours and npplementary kerbside services are proposed, as suggestd by local people, to collect refuse left by visitors in (in)official containers and bags during the ski season". Mr Kirton said he was "pleased with the outome of the Draft Annual Plan from the expenditure pointof view". Mr Kirton encourages ratepayers to comant on the draft annual plan, with submissions closing oi£0 June.