Youth will benefit from amendments to the Gore District Council's annual plan, with the introduction of two new scholarships.
The two education scholarships, which will award $750 each, were among additions and changes to the 2013-14 annual plan adopted on Wednesday.
Criteria have yet to be finalised.
Other adjustments include a $2500 grant for the Gore Community Patrol, increased funding for the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards and continued funding of $15,000 for the Southland Warm Homes Trust.
Residents face a district-wide rates increase of 4.78% in the coming year, slightly less than the 4.94% increase predicted in the long-term plan.
Total income from rates will be just over $15 million.
Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks said the annual plan process this year had been challenging but pleasingly a good number of residents had engaged in it, bringing some ''very constructive ideas'' for consideration.
The new financial year, which starts on Monday, sees the council's revised fees and charges take effect.
Increases include dog registration fees and admissions to aquatic services.
Other fee adjustments include building consent fees and resource consent deposits.
