The Central Otago District Council (CODC) adopted its 2024–25 Annual Report at its last meeting closing out a year with significant increases in energy and insurance costs leading to double digit rate increases.
Audit New Zealand’s report found the most significant variances in income were subsidies and grants, fees and charges and interest revenue. The most significant variances in expenses are personnel costs, finance costs and other expenses.
There were 54 council staff with salary packages of more than $100,000 a year including five earning between $200,000 — $339,999.
Staff did not seem to be taking holidays. Annual and statutory leave entitlements were up from $825,000 in 2023-24 to $941,000 in 2024-25.
Insurance costs increased about $200,000 in the year and energy prices had risen similarly, the report says.
More than three-quarters of the council’s spending was on roading, water infrastructure and waste, with more than half the increase in rates attributable to expenditure relating to Three Waters.
Chief executive Peter Kelly said it had been a challenging year trying to keep rates to a manageable level.
"It has been a challenging year, with our community feeling the burden of increased rates while the costs of providing basic services continue to rise. We are working tirelessly to position Central Otago to navigate these financial challenges by identifying efficiencies and alternative funding opportunities."
Mayor Tamah Alley said despite the challenges, the year had had a number of highlights.
"Looking ahead, we’re confident and prepared to meet the challenges of substantial government reform while strengthening Central Otago’s communities."
■ See the full report at https://www.codc.govt.nz/publications/reports/annual-report
