TAKAPUNA RATES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 670, 23 May 1929, Page 10

TAKAPUNA RATES

NO INCREASE THIS YEAR ESTIMATES ADOPTED Draft estimates for the year ending March 31, 1930. were adopted by the, Takapuna Borough Council last evenin. In moving their adoption, Cr. A. M. Seaman said that any increase in the basic charge, no matter how small, would do an immense amount of hciriu to the district. The draft provides for a consolidated rate of, 9d in the £ 1 on unimproved. value. In. addition a refuse rate of 13s and water charges as per meter readings will be levied. The rate suggested will provide a gross revenue of £43,424, of which amount it is estimated that £1,250 will be absorbed as rebates for prompt payment. The main expenditure items of *he budget are:—lnterest and sinking fund charges, £24.836; streets, etc., £6,ouu; public works, £1,880: office, £1,510: general expenses, £1.200; hospital levy, £2.873; parks, £450. Cr. A. H. Wilkie stated that the nominal amount of £ 6.000 for street maintenance was really £4,500, the difference having already been expended by the retiring council prior to vacating office. He wanted to know how they could carry on street maintenance with this sum when the amount available last year was £II,OOO The Depdty-Mayor: Last year’s amount was £9,000, if I am not mistaken. Cr. Wilkie: Assuming that it was £9,000, how can we carry on with just half that sum this year? Continuing. Mr. Wilkie said that, in his opinion, it was iniquitous that., in its dying hours, any counci should commit its successors to such a penalty. After considerable discussion, the draft was adopted with minor alterations. The formal motion to strike the rates will be submitted to the next meeting of the council.