Waitaki District councillors at a meeting to adopt the annual plan and set the district's rates. Photo: CHARLEY-KAI JOHN Waitaki’s rates rise has been set at roughly 17% on what the district’s mayor called a ‘‘painful’’ day. Councillors backed a 16.9% hike yesterday and adopted their annual plan, after a ‘‘critical’’ June 30 government deadline was missed last month due to councillors’ decision to revoke a previous 22% rise. The rates scale-back was achieved via a $1 million dividend from the council-owned Whitestone Contracting, ‘‘expected’’ improvements in local and global economic conditions and a further $500,000 of savings to be identified. Mayor Mel Tavendale said: ‘‘I know this is a painful day for many.’’ Many councillors spoke of being uncomfortable with the rise but believing it was the best compromise. Crs Sven Thelning and Frans Schlack voted against adopting the annual plan and setting 16.9% as the rates level as they said the rise was not financially prudent. Cr Thelning called it a ‘‘false economy’’ where the district would end up ‘‘paying more in the future’’. During the public forum, former chief executive of four councils Keith Marshall said a petition signed by more than 5000 residents had delivered ‘‘two clear messages’’. ‘‘That it’s unaffordable and it will cause people harm.’’ Mr Marshall said councillors had not considered affordability in their decision-making and could still vote for a 7% rise. Hundreds of Waitaki residents took to the streets last month to voice their concern over the looming rates hike and a petition was presented to councillors on the steps of the council building. Petition and protest organiser Kirsty Cashmore said the thousands of ratepayers who signed the petition stated ‘‘very plainly’’ that a 17% rise was not affordable. Cr Schlack said some of the comments made during the public forum ‘‘crossed’’ a line. Hundreds marched to the council to protest the rates rise in June. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY Mrs Tavendale said she wanted to acknowledge those who shared concerns over the rates rise in recent weeks, including petitioners and protesters. ‘‘The strength of that feeling in our community is real. The pain is real.’’ A 16.9% rates increase was ‘‘significant’’ and for some households and businesses would be ‘‘very hard to absorb’’. ‘‘It is important today that we hold two truths at once. ‘‘First, our community is hurting, and we must keep listening with humility and compassion ‘‘Secondly, council has a responsibility to pass a lawful, responsible annual plan that keeps essential services operating, meets our obligations and protects the long-term financial position of this district. ‘‘This is not council versus community. Council is part of this community.’’ A letter from Local Government Minister Simon Watts to Mrs Tavendale was also discussed. Mr Watts wrote that, based on advice he received from government officials, ‘‘while the rates increases proposed in the annual plan are high, the amount being charged is comparable, and in some cases lower than other provincial and rural councils.’’ Following the adoption of the annual plan, chief executive Alex Parmley said councillors would have to move on to the ‘‘challenging’’ long-term plan and grapple with the continuing ‘‘unsustainable’’ financial position of the council. Mr Parmley said there would be ‘‘tough decisions on the levels of service we can provide in the future’’. Councillors also unanimously backed developing extra support for struggling ratepayers, including third-party assistance and more payment options.
