Fairer admin cost-sharing needed

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 253, 2 August 1988, Page 2

Fairer admin cost-sharing needed

In reply to Mr T H Geraghty's letter to mailbag last week under the heading "Rates Figures Puzzle", w e wish to make the following points: As explained in m y letter to Rural Ratepayers an "Overall" rate increase of 1.8% along with Urban increases was necessary this financial year. Simply, whereas Waimarino County levied rates to the value of $773,557.00 last year, this year $787,334.00 has been levied - and increase of 1.8%. In the meantime the value of the former Waimarino County fell markedly as a result of the revaluation that was undertaken in 1987.

Consequently where rates are concerned, a higher rate in the dollar was levied to compensate for that fall in value. The effect of a revaluation on rates can be surprising as Mr Geraghty has found. His Rural A land held its value and therefore the rates increased primarily because this year the rate in the dollar being levied is higher than it was in 1987. It is important to realise whatever happened, that is, whether or not rates were either increased or decreased marginally, or if indeed the amalgamation had

not taken place, a similar result would have occurred. The Uniform Land Charge that rose $50.00 helped cushion those rates affected by increases of this type. The $84,000 collected via this charge was deducted from the General Rate thus reducing it by that amount. Finally in regard to Administration, it is correct that $974,415.00 will be spent on central services this year. However, it is estimated recoveries o f $397,150.00 will be made offsetting that amount. Council is aware the Rural Ward is paying dearly in regard to the cost of administration as provided in the

amalgamation agreement (43%). It is necessary that a more equitable method of apportioning this cost is found this year to ensure a fairer sharing of the burden. G S Workman Mayor D S Bennett Chairman Finance and Administration Committee A whiter shade of pale? I wonder if anyone else has noticed that an Ohakune washing machine is a bit like a

magician's hat? Now-a-days your washing machine can be loaded with nice white garments and turned on and, Hey Presto, when they come out they're grey. I wonder if it is the water!! How do you think they do this? I wonder if we could order different colours or perhaps just get white put back in the water. If you want to really be surprised put some water in a glass and I dare you to drink it from the tap. Grey before my time