Waipa rates increase 3.3 percent
Waipa ratepayers will stump up an extra 3.3 percent after the council approved its annual plan last week.
Waipa District councillors approved their annual plan last week, including a total rates revenue increase of 3.3 percent.
Waipa District Council senior communications advisor Lisa Nairne said the increase was “absolutely necessary” due to the need to fund $1.3 million in depreciation.
Funds allocated also included $60,000 for a development plan for Ngahinapouri, $66,000 for the Mayoral Forum to investigate cross-council efficiencies, $50,000 for the Waipa Centennial and $90,000 for election costs.
Nairne said the increase is 1.4 percent less than the 4.7 percent increase originally forecast in the council’s 10-Year Plan.
“Our necessary funds meant we still needed a 3.8 percent increase but thanks to our hard work we’ve managed to reduce it to 3.3 percent”
The council had managed to save $800,000 following review of its budgets and had resolved to use $400,000 to offset the rates in the 2013/14 year.
An online rates calculator will be available on the council website from today (March 5) to help homeowners find out what their rates are.
