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The Hamilton City Council will ask taxpayers to approve what equates to a total increase of 8.9 percent in their rate bill.
That figure is made up of a 4.4% increase in the overall rate, plus what has been called a “target compliance rate” that equates to an additional 4.5% increase.
The latter figure is to defray the cost of the Government’s “three waters” reforms, as well as some district plan costs, none of which the council has a choice, and is estimated at approximately $ 140 per occupied or inhabited property. .
The council is currently lobbying the government to bear a larger share of the costs of the three waters – the amount of the target rate increase could decrease by the time the council reaches the rate in the middle of next year.
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At one point, councilors were contemplating up to six separate specific fees that covered things like walking, biking, and public transportation; community attractions; restoring the city’s ravines and responding to climate change; and projects in the city center.
However, an amendment devised by Councilmember Dave Macpherson brought them back into the base budget and the general rate.
The 11th hour adjustment came at the end of two long days of bickering, arguing, arguing, jubilation and anguish around the council table as politicians were forced to control some of their spending plans to make way for the impact of the Three. Water costs.
“We have really collectively tried to cut spending, to ease the burden on taxpayers,” said Mayor Paula Southgate, as councilors moved to incorporate rate increases into the draft plan.
Tom Lee / Stuff
Counselor Mark Bunting: “It’s journalism that attracts you.”
“I think a lot of dollars have been deferred and we managed to prevent this from being an absolute horror show,” said Deputy Mayor Geoff Taylor.
At the start of the reduction process, councilors expected a combined 11.3 percent increase in rate bills.
According to the council’s draft long-term plan, both the general rates and the target rate will increase by 4.9 percent annually beginning in year 2 (2022).
The plan would also see the council balancing its books (daily income that pays for daily costs) in 2023-24, with its net debt-to-income ratio peaking at 280 percent in 2026-27.
And it also proposes to reset the current 230 percent net debt-to-income ratio cap to align with the Local Government Financing Agency cap of 300 percent for 2021/22, decreasing by 5 percent each year through 2025. / 26. then staying at 280 percent.
The public consultation on the draft plan will take place from the beginning of March to the beginning of April, and the final plan will be adopted in June.
Meanwhile, an attempt by Cr Ewan Wilson to cut $ 125,000 from the mayoral support services operating budget was roundly rejected by all his colleagues on the council.
The figure represents the salary of a communications consultant employed by the mayor’s office, which has a total annual budget of $ 482,000.
Wilson, who was tuning in to the council meeting from Canada, argued that the consultant’s work could easily be carried out by the council’s internal communications and engagement team.
“This could be a generator of savings,” he said.
Chief Executive Richard Briggs said the budget and staffing in the mayor’s office had been slowly reduced during his eight years on the council, from five to three.
The budget was “probably meager” compared to similar councils across the country, he said.
Taylor said he “vehemently opposed” Wilson’s motion.
“The workload in that mayor’s office… is mind-boggling. I’ve seen the mayor work to a halt.
“The media consultant actually helps us all by catching things up far in advance … It’s a huge company.”
Cr Angela O’Leary also described the communications advisor as “absolutely invaluable”, while Cr Mark Bunting asked “Are taxpayers getting value? I think in this case they really, really are … It’s journalism that draws you in. “.
The motion was rejected by 12 votes to one, being Wilson himself.
Other decisions made by the council to include in the draft long-term plan are:
- $ 65,000 for a predator-proof fence to surround Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park in the fourth year, subject to an additional $ 65,000 from an outside funder.
- $ 365,000 for an additional bathroom at the Taitua Arboreteum in years six and seven.
- The introduction of a $ 5 parking fee at Hamilton Gardens, excluding people with mobility permits. If approved, it will go into effect on January 1, 2022.
In a statement shortly after the council adopted the draft plan, Briggs said he wanted to make it clear that no final decisions have been made.
“Elected members are to be applauded for the constructive approach they took for two days and for their determined commitment to keeping the welfare of the community at the forefront of their minds as they make decisions about what to include and what to take out of the draft. budget.
“I hope we hear passionate opinions from our residents and community groups.”
