The sum of $965,951 tallies requests from 22 community groups and other organisations, and nearly triples the amount requested by 37 groups under the 2018-28 long term plan, of $354,642.
In 2018, the largest single grant made was $58,994, awarded to the Clutha Combined Museums Group.
During today’s meeting at the town’s Cross Recreation Centre, the largest item for decision will be $300,000 of ratepayer funding expanding the West Otago Health facility in Tapanui.
In 2010, the council paid $1million towards the initial health facility build.
A targeted rate to households in West Otago is repaying this funding over 25 years, until 2035, at about $70 per household per year.
The facility’s governing trust is aiming to expand it to help meet the West Otago community’s increasing demand for age-related, respite and palliative care and has requested an additional $300,000 of council funding towards the project.
A report to today’s meeting says the council would aim to keep the annual repayment about the same, to be repaid over a "slightly longer term".
Without the additional ratepayer funding, the project would be unlikely to proceed, the report said.
Other significant funding requests include $200,000 for a "destination playground" on Waihola’s waterfront.
A supporting report said Waihola was part of a "key growth area" in the district, and an upgraded facility would serve as an attraction. The playground project would be community-led, under the council’s Our Place Waihola community plan.
A project cost of $200,000 would entail a rates increase of $2.10 a year for those in the Bruce community rating area, and a contribution of $0.52 from ratepayers throughout Clutha.
Among more modest requests to be considered by the council are several from smaller community groups and other organisations.
The Clutha District Youth Council’s MAC Clutha methamphetamine awareness campaign hopes to continue its activities of the past three years, which have included marches, poster campaigns and hosting visiting educational speakers.
The youth council has requested $17,000 under the plan, to fund a billboard campaign and further presentations.
Perhaps offering the best "bang for the buck" for ratepayers this triennium may be a request from the Clutha Super Masters Games.
The games are an "Olympic style" series of competitive events — followed by afternoon tea — held for about 90 senior citizens and rest-home residents each October.
The games committee has requested a grant of just $600 from the council.
