Mayor Dave Cull attacked media criticism that suggested cutting costs was the Dunedin City Council's only responsibility, as councillors voted yesterday to adopt the city's long-term plan, and set the rates for the next year.
Mr Cull lauded what he described as a balanced plan.
He said the plan gave an affordable rates rise of 3.8% for the next financial year, continued debt repayment and invested in the city.
Mr Cull argued the idea cutting costs was the council's only role was ''a very narrow view''.
If that was its role, local government could be run by accountants, he said.
''Cutting costs is one of our responsibilities. It's a means to an end, not an end in itself.''
The council's main job was to shape the city's future, giving it the best business and social environment possible, so people wanted to live in, and visit Dunedin.
Focusing on spending as little as possible was ''a sure recipe for decline''.
Cr Jinty MacTavish noted her support for the plan, but also noted her concerns about affordability in future.
The council voted unanimously to adopt the plan.
• A pay increase for city councillors went through yesterday with no discussion or debate.
The Remuneration Authority ruled earlier this year changes that meant Mayor Dave Cull's pay will rise in the new financial year by 2.9% to $150,150, and councillors' 7.3% to $54,500.
Deputy mayor Chris Staynes' pay would also rise 7.3% to $70,850, while committee chairmen and women would get the same percentage rise, and an annual pay of $60,600.
The authority determines pay rates independently of local bodies, which cannot decline them, but it is up to ratepayers to fund them.
Cr Andrew Noone moved the council note the changes, and Cr David Benson-Pope seconded the motion.
''The sooner it's put, the better,'' Cr Noone said of the motion.
• The council approved a plan for the future of Gigatown in Dunedin, which will provide $100,000 to hire a project co-ordinator, and $150,000 towards projects.
The co-ordinator, once hired, would report to the council's economic development unit, Enterprise Dunedin.
The $150,000 would be split between community development projects, economic development and business projects, and other projects that would maximise Gigatown outcomes.
