Board chairman Norman Daley, who is not standing again, said the past three years had been challenging and he wanted to acknowledge everyone around the table for their input and the support that had been offered.
The incoming board would have even more challenges to face, he said.
It would probably take the next two or three trienniums to settle what had been forced on the community by economic times.
"We’re all a team — all trying to achieve the same outcome and that’s the wellbeing of this community. Some people look at it from a dollar point of view but I think it’s a bigger picture myself."
Serving the community had been a real pleasure and a privilege, Mr Daley said.
Grants were made to three community groups as part of the board’s first round of community and promotions and events grants for 2025-26.
Puna Rangatahi (Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust) requested $3000 and was given $2500 for each of the next two years to fund expenses for the Roxburgh Scout building, which the group uses as its base, youth worker wages and programme delivery costs.
Roxburgh Pioneer Energy Brass Band was granted its requested $2000 for the next two years to offset the costs of rates, power and insurance.
Board member Gill Booth asked if the council could reduce rates rather than the board using reserves to make grants to cover them.
Mayor Tamah Alley said that was not possible and if they did all ratepayers would be covering that cost.
A new co-operative artist and crafters initiative, Ontherox, was given its requested $5000 as a one-off grant for start-up costs.
The decision sparked debate about what was reasonable for the board to fund and what was the cost of doing business.
Organiser Fay Kennedy made a presentation in the public forum. The co-op had a building to lease and was about to become an incorporated society.
Teviot ward councillor Sally Feinerman said it cost money to set up a business. Members of the co-op should have to put up something, even $50 or $100 each, to fund the start-up costs.
Mr Daley pointed out the co-op members were already in business as artists and craftspeople and it was Ontherox that was starting up.
Board member Curtis Pannett said he had gone to a public meeting about setting up the co-op and was impressed with Ms Kennedy’s presentation and response to questions.
Ms Booth said arts groups in the Teviot Valley in the past 40 years had been notoriously fickle. However, she loved the idea of a co-op and was happy to support the grant of up to $3000.
When the matter was put to a vote the board unanimously agreed to support the staff recommendation and grant $5000.
