An independent report into the public benefit arising from flood and drainage schemes in the Taieri and lower Clutha area will be considered by the Otago Regional Council early next year.
Several Taieri ratepayers complained to the ORC earlier this year that they were facing possible large payments for related scheme work from which the public derived considerable benefit.
They sought an independent economic assessment.
The council agreed to undertake the assessment and Castalia, a Wellington-based consultancy, was engaged to undertake the assessment.
In a report tabled at a recent meeting of the ORC finance and corporate committee, council director corporate services Nick Donnelly said the consultants were expected to present their report to the council in February.
As part of its assessment, Castalia was asked to consult affected ratepayers in the Taieri and lower Clutha areas.
Drop-in sessions were held in Balclutha and Outram on November 11, which allowed the public to provide Castalia with their views on the schemes, the report said.
Two consultants from Castalia attended the drop-in sessions, with 10 ratepayers at the Balclutha session and 55 at Outram.
A further 30 responses had been received electronically before the public meetings, the report said.
