The initial rates proposed in March of 3.67% in the first year of the plan, 2018-19, were lowered earlier this month to 2.89%.
But if all 18 projects were to receive approval, the first year of the plan would require a 3.23% rates rise.
In the second year, rates would go up 4.52% and in the third year there would be another 4.28% rates rise.
Among the new projects scheduled to receive either ``approve, stop, or defer'' votes from councillors this week are: developing a ``master plan'' for Omarama, Otematata and Oamaru Harbour and historic area, for $90,000; a $70,000 10-year loan for the Waitaki Community Recreation Centre to fund 50% of repair costs; increasing the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail maintenance budget to $150,000 for the next three years; $6750 a year for three years for cycle safety programme, Onya Bike; $10,000 for each ward for improved footpaths; increasing the budget for the initial dredging of Oamaru Harbour to $500,000; increasing the grant to Mountain Bike North Otago to $15,000 a year; a $6000 a year grant to Oamaru Steam and Rail; funding $150,000 a year to road seal extensions; and developing a community waste survey for $10,000.
In a statement, Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher thanked submitters and commented on the direction councillors took during closed-door deliberations on Tuesday, saying: ``There was a focus on improving customer service and the capacity of staff to deal with the increasing workload we face...
``A principal focus for the next 10 years is on economic and social development, and creating opportunities that will help continue building a stronger and more resilient Waitaki district, but while doing that we must also keep the district affordable.
``We have worked hard to keep the rates increase to a minimum while ensuring that we are providing the facilities, infrastructure, and services to support and enable growth in our community.''
