Thames-Coromandel District Council is floating an 11.4 per cent average rates increase for the coming financial year.
This is almost 4 per cent higher than what was forecast in 2021.
Mayor Len Salt said the proposed increase would “undoubtedly” add an extra burden to ratepayers – particularly on those on fixed or limited income.
“I am deeply aware of this and myself, councillors, and our staff have put a massive amount of effort into trying to limit the increase as much as we possibly can,” he said.
“We do have rates remission and hardship options available to people who are significantly impacted by the rates and we strongly encourage people to contact council and discuss their individual situation with us to see if we can help.”
Mayor Salt told The Profile that “the current financial situation” not only for Thames-Coromandel District Council, but on a national and global scale, was going to be tough “possibly for the next 12 months”.
Council was looking at further options for managing expenditure, he said.
“Where we can find savings, we will do so.”
In council’s 2021-2031 Long Term Plan, staff forecast a 7.7 per cent average rates increase for the district this coming year.
Since then, council said, interest rates have increased, project and contract costs have escalated, and now, council faces the ongoing costs to rebuild and recover following the recent storm events.
The proposed district average rates increase of 11.4 per cent may change further before council adopts its final Annual Plan in June, to accommodate storm rebuilding and recovery projects which haven’t yet been costed.
“Public input and submissions are vital in the process and we strongly encourage residents and ratepayers to have their say on the proposed Annual Plan,” Mayor Salt said.
Council also wants to know if Thames residents would prefer to defer the planned Pollen Street upgrade project to 2024/25 and beyond.
If the deferral is supported, then the capital budgets for Pollen Street water, wastewater, stormwater and roading in 2023/24 will be zero.
DETAILS: Public consultation is open now until April 10. To have your say and view council’s Consultation Document, visit: www.tcdc.govt.nz/Our-Community/Have-Your-Say/Current-Consultations
