Raetihi Council unhappy with catchment levy

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 47, 6 May 1986, Page 1

Raetihi Council unhappy with catchment levy

Raetihi Borough Councillors at their meeting last week expressed concern at a projected rise in the levy due to the Rangitikei-Wanganui-Catchment Board for 1986-87. Councillors were informed "unofficially" of the projected rise of about $7000 to about $12,000, in a letter from the secretary of the catchment board. Mayor Garrick Workman said that he had already expressed concern to Hal Manson, the local catchment board member. Mr Manson was to attend a board meeting last Thursday. He had been asked to question the board on its efforts to cut back its programmes in the light of economic circumstances. Cr Cornwall questioned the intent of the letter which, in effect, said that information on the possible rise could not be discussed. "They are required to tell us so that we can comment on any rise," he said. Several councillors asked how the catchment board could push for an increase when rural incomes were falling. The levy is no longer based on capital value but on a system of value equalisation. This is calculated by

the Valuation Department for the areas under the catchment board 's. jurisdiction. Cr Cornwall said that from figures supplied it appeared that the boroughs of Raetihi, Ohakune, Taihape and Marton made up about one eighth of the equalised value, and therefore of levies demanded. He asked whether a massive drop in land values would result in a far bigger proportion owed by the boroughs. He also questioned the drop in Waimarino County's levy by about $3,000 and why Wanganui City appeared to pay nothing. Cr Tom Punch said that a user-pay system ought to be started as much of the runoff came from market gardening land. A proposal to send a letter to the catchment board was carried unanimously. The letter will ask for the following: •the effect on of the equalisation system of a massive drop in the value of farms •for a justification of levy increases at a time of declining farm incomes •for an explanation of catchment board work in or about Raetihi Borough which would justify a 60 per cent increase.