Community Leaders' Column

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 3, 11 June 1985, Page 6

Community Leaders' Column

by

Garrick

Workman

Since the municipal conference held recently in Rotorua there has been extensive coverage given via the media to the issues of amalgamation and the GST tax being applied to rates. As regards GST I do not intend adding anything further to what has already been written other than to express my concern at the unfair burden on the ratepayer of this measure. Like others who have expressed similar sentiments I find it crazy that a tax will be based on and added to what is already a tax, i.e. rates. As inflation is expected to run at anywhere between 1 5% and 20% this year, the estimates' exercise for Raetihi is a headache. To keep pace with price and wage increases alone council has no option but to strike a rate in that vicinity. Rates in this borough are high enough and I for one am loathe to see even a one percent increase added to what we are already paying. However, with the 1985-

86 rates due to be struck at a special council meeting tomorrow night there are certain decisions that must be made after careful consideration of estimated expenditure and income. There are loan commitments (with increasing interest rates) for capital works, in particular sewerage, to be met. Spending less on roading would result in a reduction of the attractive 70% NRB subsidy we presently enjoy. As has previously been pointed out the devaluation has resulted in heavy increases in bitumen and petrol prices along with the electricity price hike and increased charges for government services. However, in sharing with Waimarino County their clerk, office staff and engineer, we are at least making very real savings in one area. All I can assure ratepayers is that council will do everything within reason to minimise this year's increase, bearing in mind that in the 1 986-87 year we must accommodate inflation as well as

the imposition of the goods and services tax. ★ ★ ★ It was an honour to be part of, and march with, the Returned Servicemen at a well attended dawn parade this year. There seemed to be a greater determination certainly here in Raetihi and Ohakune and indeed around the country, to ensure that ANZAC services were well attended and it was interesting to have a yarn with several RSA members from World War II. The possibility of Raetihi offering the Freedom of the Borough to an army unit from Waiouru was discussed and without excep-

tion all agreed that this should be considered, so with council approval, an approach could be made shortly to Waiouru seeking their co-operation. ★ ★ ★ Just before winding this up I feel I must extend sincere sympathy on behalf of all Raetihi people to the families of the late Bob T od, Mick Griffin and Gwen Duggan (a former mayoress). Each of these people made a significant contribution to the affairs of Raetihi and the Waimarino and it is with deep regret that we note their passing.

G. S.

Workman

Mayor of Raetihi