Ratepayers in Glenavy on the north bank of the Waitaki River will have to foot a rates rise slightly less than neighbours on the southern bank.
At an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, May 27, Waimate District Council agreed on an overall average rates increase of 9.2% for 2025-26, 5.2% for 2026-27, 6.8% for 2027-28 and an average increase of 2.8% per annum over the remaining six years of the long-term plan 2025-34.
In comparison, Waitaki district rates will rise 9.79% in 2025-26.
Mayor Craig Rowley says the council is tackling the district’s challenges "head-on", opting not to borrow any additional funds to smooth rates, an approach that will save ratepayers from the burden of servicing the additional debt which takes away funds from the council’s core services.
Mr Rowley thanked everyone who showed up to the community chat sessions, made a submission and spoke to their submissions. The public consultation received 90 submissions and 13 people spoke to their submissions.
"There is high public support in keeping our debt levels low, and our decision will be the lowest overall cost to council’s budget," he said.
"This long-term plan sets out the council’s direction for the next nine years. We will work hard to keep rates increases manageable and ensure we provide our core services efficiently." — APL
