Ohakune releases estimates

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

Ohakune releases estimates

The cost of running the Ohakune Borough this year is estimated to be over $700,000. Councillors approved estimates for the 1986/87 year at the recent full council meeting. The figure is an increase of about 20 per cent on last year's estimate. Rate increases will not be decided

on until next month's meeting. It should be noted that all estimated figures for this year have five per cent G.S.T. added. The largest estimated cost will again be for administration. The 1986/87 estimate is $285,932, an increase of about $65,000 on last year's estimated figure. Included in the cost of administration is $80,000 for staff members' wages, the largest administration expense. This figure is about $20,000 more than the 1985/86 estimate. The administration estimate includes $31,030 to be paid by council to the Rangitikei-Wanganui Catchment Board. This figure is up about $10,000 from last year. There are also costs of $2200 to Wanganui United Council and $2200 for Civil Defence. The mayor's honorarium has increased to $7,500 this year. However, last year the mayor was entitled to about $5,000 but accepted only $3,000. Honoraria to council members have also increased, a shared amount of $8,000. Last year councillors accepted less than their entitlement of $4,000. Other expenses included in administration are consultants' fees, wages of the health inspector and building inspector and engineering, inspection, vehicle and survey equipment. Roading is another large expense, estimated at $262,200, but this is offset by a National Roads Board subsidy of $154,900. One of the largest estimated increases this year is

for refuse collection, up from $25,900 to $43,500. In the past, refuse collection and maintenance of the tip was mostly carried out by PEP workers. As the PEP scheme is now finished, council has to pay for the service. An allocation of $4250 has been approved for the swimming baths. No funds were provided last year as the baths were to be maintained by Auckland company, Victoria Park Markets as the first part of a major development. In fact, the baths did not open at all last summer and the council wishes to be sure that they have funds to open them this year. Continued on page 2

Ohakune estimates ... Continued from page 1 Other estimated allocations for the coming year are: town planning $18,800, up from an estimate of $13,900 last year; housing and property $60,680, up from $56,447; parks and reserves $52,000, up from $ 4 4,3 8 0; 1 i b r a r y $23,500, up from $15,300; cemetery $3420, up from $2930; water supply $38,500, down from $39,500; sewerage $16,500, up from $9075; depot $5000, up from $4500; Ruapehu Region Information Centre $2000, same as last year.