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A rates rise of 7.6 % across the Central Otago district this year, heralded in the long-term plan, would be ''unpalatable'' to ratepayers, the Vincent Community Board was warned this week.
The board was to consider the estimates for the coming year at a meeting this week but the matter was postponed to a special meeting later this month. Central Otago District Council corporate services manager Susan Finlay said the estimates were being pruned back as far as possible by staff.
''We're getting a steer from council and mayor [Tony Lepper] that the general rate sitting in the long-term plan, 7.6% increase, is unpalatable this year,'' she said.
''When we bring the estimates back to you, we'll have been through them line by line, taking out everything we can without causing too much risk.''
The draft rates rise for the Vincent ward component of the rates had been estimated at 6.4%. Community boards decide on the estimates for their ward and the results are then forwarded to the council to be included in the annual plan, along with the district component of the rates.
''There may be some savings from projects we can move out to year three. For example, the Omakau water upgrade. It's unlikely that there will have been sufficient consultation to go ahead with that in year 3,'' Mrs Finlay said. Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper said it was vital for community boards to limit spending to keep the rates rise in check.
''As far as the council goes, we can't achieve 7.6% [rise] if community boards spend over and above that - if you spend 8% more instead of the 6.4% [rise forecast], the council haven't got a dog's show of keeping it at the lower figure.''
''If you're going to spend extra, then you've got to find somewhere to cut back. I don't think there's an atmosphere out there for a massive rates increase.''