The mayor proposed using a $1 million dividend from Whitestone Contracting Ltd to trim the rise down to the "high teens".
She has submitted a notice of motion to next Tuesday's council meeting to revoke the rise voted for by councillors last month.
The move comes as police investigate deaths threats to one councillor and a protest march is planned in Omaru amid a groundswell of discontent.
The Waitaki District Council consulted on 19%, 27% and 45% proposed rates rises during a two-week consultation before eventually settling on 22%.
Cr Jim Hopkins called the 22% ‘‘reckless’’ and said the public consultation was a ‘‘clear barometer’’ of how people felt about the rates options.
In a statement today Mrs Tavendalke said reducing the rates rise was short-term solution which would have "future consequences".
A 9% rise mooted earlier in the process was not feasible and the new rates hike would be in the high teens.
“This proposal is not without risk and may have a negative consequence on Council’s overall financial position – which will need to be funded in subsequent years.
"This may increase the operating deficit, requiring further borrowing, so that future ratepayers will pay for the services used by ratepayers today.”
“This is not simply a short-term budget issue. Districts like Waitaki with large land areas and small ratepayer bases are expected to maintain increasingly expensive infrastructure while also absorbing higher costs for power, fuel, insurance, construction, compliance, and other essential services.
"Revenue available through rates and other means is not keeping pace with those demands.”
The meeting of Waitaki District Council will take place at 11:30am on Tuesday, June 23.
