Western Bay of Plenty District Council has adopted its 2017/2018 Annual Plan and struck a rates increase of 1.0 per cent for existing ratepayers and reduced debt by $19m.
The total rates increase is 2.65 per cent, of which growth makes up 1.67 percent.
The Annual Plan sets out what Council intends to do over the next 12 months, why projects were chosen and what they will cost.
It essentially sets the budget and tracks delivery of projects informed by the Long Term Plan (LTP) - a road map and strategy for the coming three years, which looks as far out as 10.
Western Bay Council Mayor Garry Webber says this Annual Plan is a great result for Western Bay residents.
"Given the number of new houses being built we are planning for an additional 350 ratepayers (1.67 per cent) to be added to our District in the coming year. We're investing in infrastructure projects as and when this growth and development occurs which is in line with our 'just in time' philosophy.
"Accordingly the rates increase for existing residents of 1.0 per cent is actually down from a projected 2.4 per cent and comes at no cost to service delivery - we're delivering on the projects we said we would during the last LTP."
In the 2017/2018 financial year Council will collect $58.81m in total rates, a reduction of $830,000 on the initial Long Term Plan estimate for the 2017/18 year.
Total rates of $58.81m are comprised of District rates ($35.85m); community board rates ($418,459); water supply ($6.57m), wastewater ($9.99m); stormwater ($3.99m) and other targeted rates ($1.99m).
District rates totalling $35.85m are comprised of the general rate ($19.42m); town centre rate ($211,440); library rate ($1.62m); roading rate ($13.70m) and environmental protection rate ($900,000).
Capital expenditure has increased from $29.69m to $39.72m. This relates to uncompleted works carried forward from 2017 to the 2018 financial year.
In the coming year the major projects planned for include:
- Katikati Library and Community Hub - deferred from 2016/17 due to design delays
- LED Streetlights - converting street lights to LED to reduce maintenance and operating costs. Eighty per cent of this investment is subsidised by the New Zealand Transport Agency
- Omokoroa Road upgrades
- Te Puna West Wastewater Scheme
- Ongare Point Wastewater Scheme
- Upgrading of Animal Shelters - deferred from 2016/17 due to design delays.
"What's really pleasing is that we can show how we're delivering on promises made during the last LTP and how, where appropriate, we've made some minor changes to our capital works programme to recognise changed circumstances, feedback from our communities and our focus on 'just in time' planning."
Council's current focus is on getting the community involved in our upcoming 2018 - 2028 Long Term Plan, says Mayor Garry.
"We're engaging early and putting a lot of time and effort into an ongoing campaign called 'It's About You' - encouraging as many of our Western Bay residents to have their say and be involved in this important planning process.
"Your words and submissions will help us shape the 2018 - 2028 Long Term Plan and make a real and tangible difference in your community. I encourage you all to take part."
ENDS
The table below illustrates by category the average rates movement for the median property across the District.
