Raetihi rates up 15 percent

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 5, 1 July 1986, Page 1

Raetihi rates up 15 percent

Raetihi's rates have increased by 15.41 per cent for 1986-87. Individual householders will find their increase varies according to property valuations. Acting Mayor John Compton said that the figure was a reasonable increase when compared with Raetihi's neighbours and considering the inclusion of five per cent G.S.T.. He said that proper comparisons were with other boroughs or urban areas and not counties. Last year's revaluation meant that many properties increased in value which was recognised in increased rates. "But we have kept increases to a minimum considering the revaluation and of course an increase in the value of their assets is good for Raetihi citizens," said Mr Compton. Mr Compton said that the large number of citizens who lere in arrears on their rates was concerning the council. "Ratepayers don't pay their rates and we have to borrow to pay our debts which pushes rates up in the end. Interest charges have made up four per cent of rates over the last 12 months." Mr Compton said that rate increases had been kept

to the absolute minimum and late payment of rates would present difficulties. Letters are due to be sent soon telling ratepayers of the council's concern about arrears. Payments due to the Rangitikei-Wanganui Catchment Board which almost doubled also helped push up rates. Mr Compton said the government took $18,000 in G.S.T from the borough but returned only $5400 in the new revenue sharing scheme. "When you consider that G.S.T. on rates is a tax on a tax the amount we get back in revenue sharing is just a joke," he said. Mr Compton was however optomistic about the future of Raetihi. He said that from March to December 1985 building permits were issued to the value of about $600,000. "This must suggest that the development of Raetihi is going well, which ties in with the increase in population announced recently. With more properties being built they should provide more rating revenue in the next 12 months which will help us at the next rating." The urban farmland review earlier this year also helped keep rate increases low. Many properties were deleted leaving seven with a 50 per cent reduction.