"I never thought when I came on to this council I would support a 20% rise."
The council missed out on millions of dollars with no cruise ship income due to Covid-19, and proposed two rates options for its long-term plan 2021-2031.
Its preferred option, which was yesterday approved, was a 20% increase, to be followed up by a 5% increase in the next three years.
The second option was for a 16% average increase with the same subsequent increase as option one.
Discussion during the council’s deliberation, and during the hearing process, included the distribution of rates.
Mr Horrell said while it was a hard decision, it showed strong leadership.
"I know it’s been difficult for everybody, but we’ve thoroughly debated the options."
At a hearing last week, 15 submitters had their say on Environment Southland’s long-term plan 2021-31.
Main concerns included affordability of proposed rates increases, as well as the fairness of the proportion of rates paid by different groups.
Another key topic was the development of a new rate for the Waituna rating district, for bank stabilisation work.
Councillors yesterday agreed on the preferred option of a new rate being applied on a per hectare basis.
The council had received 50 submissions throughout consultation on the plan, but the majority did not respond directly to what their preferred rates option was.
The plan will be audited and adopted on July 30.
