At hearings today, councillors will hear dozens of people, groups and organisations speak to submissions on the council’s draft annual plan 2026-27.
A few of these submissions include concerns the consultation document accompanying the draft plan lacks necessary detail.
The Otago Settlers Association committee said there was limited useful information in the document, unlike previous annual plan processes.
‘‘It is all at the highest level, which makes it difficult to provide a meaningful and specific response on the future operation of [Toitū Otago Settlers Museum],’’ the committee said.
‘‘In the interests of transparency, greater detail would encourage more public input and useful submissions.’’
Councillors agreed to a pared-back engagement approach to the annual plan in March, intended to allow early engagement on the 10-year plan (2027-37).
The draft annual plan proposes a 10.5% rates increase — comprised of a non-water rate increase of 6.9% and Three Waters rate increase of 16.7%.
Submitter Robyn Vinter said she would prefer an explanation of the rates breakdown in layman’s terms ‘‘so that we can all understand it, not just the financial experts on the council staff’’.
‘‘This is the transparency that we are all craving from our present-day councils.
‘‘This report is too basic, lacking in specifics.’’
The council also published financial statements and reports, such as draft operating budgets, alongside the consultation document.
Property Council South Island regional committee chairman Tom Chatterton said while the consultation document was accessible and easy to understand, the supporting material was ‘‘difficult to engage with’’.
Mr Chatterton encouraged the council to publishing a single draft annual plan document, as done in previous years.
The council did not comment yesterday.
Hearings begin at 9am.
