Rates

Waitaki ratepayers could pay an extra $70,000 a year to meet new Government requirements aimed at ensuring local bodies' costs, rates and activities are better controlled.

With hardly a murmur, the Waitaki District Council yesterday confirmed a 2.65% rise in its total rates collection for the new financial year, which starts today.

The Central Otago District Council yesterday rubber-stamped a 7% rates increase, with no discussion.

A projected rates rise of 9% has been cut by almost two-thirds by the seven Environment Canterbury commissioners appointed by the Government to run the Christchurch-based regional council.

The 2010-11 Clutha District Council annual plan was formally adopted at a full council meeting yesterday.

The Otago Regional Council has adopted its annual plan for the 2010-11 year and the resulting rating resolution which was described by corporate services director Wayne Scott as mostly "business as

Central Otago ratepayers who get in early can avoid the coming rise in GST.

Being able to keep general rates from rising and reduce the Dunedin transport rate while still being able to support new walking track projects deserves a slap on the back for the Otago Regional Co