During deliberations, it trimmed spending in some areas to keep the annual plan at 10%.
"We took a hard look at our work programmes and managed to find considerable savings, however, have still had to pass on some costs to the community," Mr Scott said.
A 4.6% rate rise had been signalled in the current long-term plan, but the council introduced a bus fare trial, public transport improvements, and a flood recovery programme last year which added to the rates bill.
Without a public transport service in the Ashburton District to impact rates, Mid Canterbury/Ōpākihi councillor Ian Mackenzie has previously said the rise would be around an 8% average in the Ashburton District.
Based on the sample properties provided by ECan, the rates for an Ashburton rural property worth $4,760,000 will go up from $1,941 to $2,101 - a $159.42 (7.5%) hike.
An Ashburton urban property worth $430,000 will have its rates go from $296 to $308 – a $12.18 (4%) increase.
Looking ahead to its 2024-34 long-term plan councillor John Sunckell said the council faced "a tsunami" of legislative requirements which would put pressure on staff.
Meanwhile, the Ashburton District Council is set to adopt its annual plan next week which was signalled to have an average rate rise of 5.9%.
- Jonathan Leask, Local Democracy reporter
