CRIKEY, THAT HURT CLEM!

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 58, 23 July 1974, Page 1

CRIKEY, THAT HURT CLEM!

Borough rates to rise 26% on the average

Taupo borough ratepayers face an average increase of 26 per cent in their rates this year. The increase includes all rates concerning the consolidated rate and the water rate on an average price residential section. Considerable pruning has been necessary to keep the increase to 26 per cent. The draft estimates considered by the executive committee indicated a general rate increase of 48 per cent.

Taupo rates have increased between 12 and 20 per cent in the last four years, after remaining stable in 1968 and 1969. In 1970, ratepayers faced a 12 per cent increase and this was followed by nearly 20 per cent in 1971. The average increase in rates in 1972 was 13.22 per cent — 5.67 per cent of which went toward providing a permanently manned fire service. Last year rates rose by 14 per cent and the Mayor, Mr C. S. Currie, said he was certain Taupo was getting the highest efficiency in administration for its money.

The Taupo Borough Council decided at its monthly meeting last night to give. notice of its intention to levy a consolidated rate of 3.7195 cents in the dollar, which is estimated to produce $462,454 — $43,776 - more than last year. Special rates are to be struck for the fire service, library, street lighting and loan charges. A water rate will be levied on the basis of a uniform annual charge of $20 on all land and buildings occupied as dwelling houses; $10 on all land and buildings sepa-

rately occupied as stores or warehouses; and $10 on all land and buildings to which water can be but is not supplied. The water rate is expected to produce $141,625 this year, compared with $103,458 last year. This year $22,490 has been set aside for the sewerage system — $20,863 more than last year. An increase of $60,000 in legal fees is to provide for * the council's commitment in defending the pending court case brought by J. W. Birnie and others. Works are estimated to cost $218,644 this year — $69,228 more than last year

and loan charges have increased from $.10,234 to $19,407. Town planning will cost an estimated $2631 more than last year's figure of $4769. Administration expenses have been estimated at $178,800 this year — $36,274 less than last year. The cost of works organisation and supervision is to increase by $26,803 to $75,180. Additions to the municipal offices are estimated to cost $50,000 this year and $3500 has been set aside for the borough elections in Pctober.