Some fees and charges could rise significantly — by up to 210% — under proposals in Waitaki District Council’s 2026-27 annual plan.
Fees and charges were described in a council workshop on Tuesday as a "key lever" the council could pull which did not involve raising rates or debt funding.
But it was also pointed out by officials that it was a "balancing act" and increasing fees too much would result in usage numbers going down, affecting revenue.
Fees at Oamaru Airport would increase by 10% under proposals, a document prepared by officials stated.
The cost of camping at Duntroon Domain could rise by 50% "due to power and gas cost increases", meaning the adult rate rising to $15 a night; there would be no changes for children’s rates.
"Significant" increases for roads charges ranged from 24% up to 210%, "to recover costs of providing this service", the council document stated.
There would also be some new fees to recover officer time.
New food control applications would increase by 50%.
Other proposals were for trade waste services increases of 23%-25% due to a 27% rise in civil construction costs, an increase in water services of 3%-27.5% to cover a rise in civil construction costs and CPI adjustments and harbour slipway increases ranging from 4%-14%.
Discussions are due to be held about when certain fees will be implemented.
Proposed changes took into account what neighbouring councils were doing, the market, the cost of delivering services and the impact on the community, the document stated.
No changes are planned for civic activities, archive services, the Forrester Gallery, the town’s library, the Opera House, most planning services, Harbour berth fees, alcohol licensing, parking and animal control.
Councillors heard most fees would be adjusted in line with the rate of inflation, including for the aquatic centre; parks, gardens and sports field hire; cemetery fees; most camping grounds and some planning services.
The council will also have to look at other levers to generate revenue with a rates cap of 2%-4% looming on the horizon, councillors were told.
Fees and charges are expected to be set at a council meeting on June 23, when rates will also be set and the annual plan adopted. But an extraordinary meeting could be held this month.
The council is consulting on three rates rise options — 19%, 27% and 45%.
The proposed fees outlined on Tuesday were already built into the council’s budget, Mandy McIntosh, strategy and commissioning lead confirmed.
