Dunedin's ratepayers will have their say on a proposed 7.8% rates increase at annual plan hearings later this year, after city councillors abandoned last-ditched efforts to prune spending.
In a testy exchange at the conclusion of yesterday's stadium debate and vote, some councillors - including Crs Kate Wilson and Chris Staynes - wanted a last-minute effort made to identify savings and ease the pressure on ratepayers.
Cr Staynes supported deferring some capital projects to save $20 million, while others, including Cr Michael Guest, argued the stadium debate had left too little time for proper consideration of last-minute cuts or deferrals.
After some heated debate, councillors agreed to adopt the draft budget - with a 7.8% increase for the next financial year - for public consultation.
