Clutha district residents face a 3.35% rates rise, according to the council's draft annual plan due for release next month.
The Clutha District Council is finalising its draft annual plan for the 2013-14 year. The plan gives an update on year two of the long-term plan 2012-22, confirms the projects and services the council intends to deliver over the next financial year and also includes estimates of how much this is expected to cost.
This year's draft annual plan proposes an overall rates rise of 3.35%, down from the 5.29% increase forecast in the long-term plan.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said he was pleased the overall increase was below the inflation rate of 3.79%.
He said it was important to note that changes to rates in individual townships depended on what was happening with the ''bundle of services'' in that particular rating area.
Stirling and Kaka Point face rates rises of 10.3% and 9% respectively, due to the council's decision last year to phase in an increased community services rate for these townships because people from these areas use community facilities in Balclutha such as the swimming pool.
Owaka and Lawrence also face significant increases, of 8.1% and 7.9%, largely due to major sewage treatment upgrades in the townships. Tapanui faces a 5.8% increase as the council begins rating for the loan-funded grant for the new West Otago Health Centre.
Rural ratepayers can again expect a minor rates change, which the council says is the flow-on effect of a freeze in the Government's share of funding towards local roading.
''Council's key financial goals continue to be orientated towards retaining a sound financial position with minimal rates increases, while at the same time balancing the needs for increased environmental standards in areas such as water and sewerage, and responding to requests for help to fund community-led projects.''
The draft annual plan will be released for public consultation on April 8, with submissions closing on May 10.
