Letters to the editor

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 7, 9 July 1985, Page 2

Letters to the editor

Dear Sir, At the Ohakune Borough Council estimates meeting it was reported that the Mayor replied to a specific question that the rate increase would be an average of 32%. Mr W. Peach — accountant — corresponded with your newspaper on behalf of his many Ohakune clients stating that the 32% increase was extremely excessive and

unacceptable and well beyond government restraint guidelines. The Mayor acknowledged Mr Peach's complaint in your paper. When the rate in the dollar was published and some ratepayers worked out their individual rate, it became apparent that the 32%, in fact, was going to be dramatically exceeded. Enquirers to the borough

office were informed that the administration had no idea how the figure of 32% was arrived at. I ask who is deceiving who? Before the rate demands had even been delivered the Ohakune Mayor was reported as saying that people must be happy with them as he had not received any complaints!

I urge all ratepayers to check their rate demands when they receive them and if they are not happy and feel cheated over the widely publicised and unrefuted 32% average increase please say so. It may be necessary to petition council with a "vote of no confidence" in the setting of this year's rates.

B.A.

Wilde

Dear Sir, I would like to make comment on the recent shock that hit the local ratepayers upon receiving their rates notice for 1985-86. The public was lead to believe thi^ increase or restructure of the rating system would be to the advantage of the average home owner but would hit the property entrepreneurs. We are an average family

— one income, first home and thia leap is a strain on our financial resources. Our increase is $208 which is approximately a 51% increase on last year's rates. What has the average citizen gained for this massive increase? 1 . Chlorination of our germ infested water supply? 2. An extra rubbish collection? 3. Paving on Shannon St, Tainui St or Miro St etc?

4. A bus service for the community? 5. Fencing and swing gates at the Memorial Park to safely enclose the playing children from the river and road? 6. Pedestrian crossings in town? NO we are paying for the council's over expenditure on roads that lead into and out of this town used extensively in winter by tourists who don't pay anything towards mainten-

ance and still get the benefits. These rates are comparable to Auckland and Wellington • cities. To put the icing on the cake Edith Moore, town clerk, is quoted as saying the council is annoyed at the lack of value for money they get from the Catchment Board. Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? Ripped off ratepayer

Dear Sir, To the rest of New Zealand Ohakune is a wonderful place to live. Fresh air, plenty .of opportunity, the best roads you have ever seen, foot paths that will take your breath away (not to mention an ankle or two!) We have the best water you can get (just so long as you boil it first). Our sewerage is the best, or so

my rate invoice tells me. And so, how about a telethon for Ohakune or a Ratethon so the residents can pay their rates. And finally to our wonderful Mayor, and his lynch mob, thanks for nothing.

R.

Waerea

Dear Sir, I have read with great interest your reports on the recent talks on amalgamation by our three local bodies. As a resident and ratepayer of Ohakune Borough, I would like to support, wholeheartedly, the comments by Raetihi's mayor in his Community Leaders' Column in this week's Bulletin. The logic of amalgamation for the long-term good of the people of both boroughs and the county cannot be argued against.

Dear Sir, The biggest con job of the ^ear has occurred right here in Ohakune. Ratepayers were led to believe that the average rate increase would be around 32%. My rates have increased 57.75% and others that I have spoken to have had their rates increased by

60+%. We have been hood winked ! Who could have foreseen these huge increases and raised a formal objection? How can council justify these increases and how can ratepayers afford to pay them?

D.

Pasco

Administrative savings and better equipment utilisation are two obvious areas of benefit. Admittedly there will be short-term problems but I

have seen no sensible, nonemotive argument put forward against amalgamation or its long-term benefits.

Non

Ostrich

Ohakune