Proposed uniform charges for water in Central Otago, along with other rates and charges, will be released for public consultation next week. Central Otago district councillors this week approved the consultation document.
Included are proposed changes to rates and charges, including uniform charges for water - urban water, wastewater and stormwater.
Mayor Tony Lepper said he was ''quite happy'' about the proposed changes to the policy, but it would still draw ''spotlight attention'' on the council.
''It will be talked about and there will be some questions [from the public],'' he said.
Cr Neil Gillespie said rate changes were not uncommon.
Council chief executive Leanne Mash said this consultation process had ''different'' tools to help address residents' questions.
A postcard sent out to addresses would have a phone number directing residents to a council staff member who could answer questions about how changes to rates and charges might affect them.
The website would also have a calculator that allowed residents to see the impact the proposed changes would have on their 2016-17 rates.
A workshop with various stakeholder groups from around the district was also planned for October 7.
Submissions on the amended policy would open on Monday and close at the end of Oct-ober, and eventually be presented to the council on November 18.
In June, the council decided in principle that all council water schemes should be funded equally by ratepayers connected to a scheme, subject to the policy review.
The new rates would be implemented on July 1 next year.
Water charges
Proposed uniform annual charges for water 2016-17:
• Water: $430
• Wastewater: $509
• Total*: $939*
*Volumetric and water meter charges additional.
