Publication: ph08082012

Hutt City Council’s total rates increased by 2.6% in comparison to last years, says David Woltman, the Chief Financial Officer, 2% lower than the rates increase proposed in the draft plan.

This means residential rates have increased by 3.5%.

It is one of the lowest rates increase in the country, he says,

“We are consistently have one of the lowest, if not the lowest, rates increase,” he says.

They are trying to reduce debt by not borrowing money as they know they will have to borrow for some future projects.

He says the council will have to do work on the administration building and Fraser Park, as well as roading projects in the future.

The upgrading of Huia Pool is scheduled for 2014.

The rates increase will fund 35 million dollars worth of capital works, which includes 100 projects, and work on the Mackenzie Pool.

Porirua City Council’s average rate increase is now set at 3.4%.

“We went out and consulted on 3.2% increase,” says Moana.

The council received 235 submissions on its Draft Long Term Plan which showed the public did not want funding cut to certain services.

These include the Surf Lifesaving services at Titahi Bay beach which gained an additional $6000 per year, the Porirua Partners Programme gained another $40,000 per year, and $150,000 was put aside for 2013/14 for the Wi Neera to Onepoto walkway.

This bumped up the rates increase to 3.4%, she says.

They also had to factor in ‘out of the blue’ $156,000 for increased insurance premiums, she says.

Wellington City Council says rates will increase by 3.6 percent, down from the 4.1 percent increase they initially proposed.

The councils has decided to keep funding Te Papa $2.25 million annually.

The council has however decided not to fund a new deep-water pool at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre in Kilbirnie because of the $20 million cost.

They will work with the people who want the pool to look at other funding sources.

The council plan to spend $900,000 on strengthening the Chest Hospital for the SPCA.

The SPCA will meet more than half the cost of this work. 

Earthquake resilience projects were ranked as a high priority by submitters so the council will invest in strengthening the water network, roads and buildings.

The council says they have increased their budget and will strengthen more buildings. 

As well as improving public spaces at Clyde Quay, the council will look into a feasibility study for developing the area. 

They have allocated $900,000 to upgrading Miramar’s town centre.