Waipa rates increase 3.3 percent

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.