Amalgamation compromise

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 39, 11 March 1986, Page 1

Amalgamation compromise

Councillors from the three Waimarino councils accepted a compromise agreement on amalgamation last night at a combined meeting. Amalgamation is to be delayed until 1 April 1988 though legal aspects will be started now. Mr Brian Elwood, chairman of the Local Government Commission, faced hard bargaining from councillors, particularly from the Waimarino County Council. Earlier in the day he had been presented with a paper from the county council which asked for a "stay of proceedings" on amalgamation because of economic problems facing farmers, plus the impact of G.S.T. and local authority wage increases, and which also set out "anticipated costs for amalgamation." At the evening meeting however Mr Elwood said he thought those costs were not realistic. "You could unite tomorrow and not have costs one dollar more than running the three separate councils," he said. Earlier in the meeting Mr Elwood pointed out that the proposed Waimarino district council was too small for the commission's liking and was still likely to suffer inefficiencies. "But i supported that concept because of the community of interest and because I thought there was genuine support." He said that if there was not that support then the commission would be compelled under law to look at larger proposals.

Bruce Berry, chairman of the Waimarino County Council, said ratepayers had come to council with their fears. "We want to give them clear assurance that we are embarking on something which will be to their benefit." We do not challenge the concept of a district council — weaskforamoratorium." Raetihi Mayor Garrick Workman said that many people wished the councils would resolve the amalgamation issue. "I have mentioned the possibilities of exploring wider proposals but I have been persuaded it is in our best interests to proceed." Ohakune Mayor Bill Taylor said the Ohakune Borough Council wanted union and saw no reason why it could not go ahead although they appreciated the county's view. Mr Elwood's suggestion of a delay until 1 April 1988 if all councils agreed to amalgamation was accepted. "We could put all the legal formalities together but delay implementation until then — this will allow the county to get through this financial year," he said. Problems arose with this proposal when councillors discussed the sharing of administration costs, which had been the major stumbling block all along. After great debate this issue was resolved on the basis of the proportion of rate income collected by each authority, Raetihi 20 per cent, Ohakune 37 per cent and Waimarino 43 per cent.