The Central Otago District Council has approved its long-term plan, confirming an average rates increase of 12.47% — slightly lower than the 13.01% originally proposed.
The decision was made at an extraordinary council meeting held in Alexandra yesterday.
Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley and chief executive Peter Kelly said the final version of the plan reflected the feedback of residents and demonstrated the council’s willingness to listen.
Mr Kelly said adjustments were made as a direct result of public consultation.
"A number of things changed as a result of the consultation, which reinforces that councils do listen and that’s really important in today’s day and age."
Ms Alley said it was important to note society was the sum of its parts and councils were not just about roads, water and rubbish.
"We are pools, we are parks, we are libraries, we are blossom festivals and this long-term plan, in particular, is not CODC’s long-term plan — this is Central Otago’s long-term plan."
People did not move to Central Otago just to be able to flush their toilet or turn on their tap; they came for the "nice-to-haves", she said.
However, there would be people for whom the rates increase would be a bitter pill.
"There are people who would like us not to be doing anything more than roads, rubbish and water — but I think a record number of submissions supporting the facilities we have chosen to retain is really an important thing for our community."
After hearing submissions from more than 1200 residents, including just over 300 from under-18-year-olds, councillors met on May 20 and made their decisions on the shape of the long-term plan.
Among the changes made after consultation were the retention of 12 council-owned properties that had been proposed for divestment; keeping the Alexandra outdoor swimming pool open with a review in the 2027-37 long-term plan; and the council taking over the Ida MacDonald Roxburgh Pool Punawai Ora.
The council is usually required under the Local Government Act to produce a long-term, or 10-year, plan every three years and one should have been produced last year.
However, due to uncertainty around the delivery of Three Waters — drinking, storm and waste — councils were given the option to defer, which Central Otago accepted.
