The Thames Coromandel District Council is exploring new location options for an aquatic facility in the region. A report tabled at the Thames Community Board’s July 17 meeting said council staff had “significant concerns” about the financial impact of several of the options on Thames ratepayers.
The report said 81 per cent of respondents to a community survey thought a swimming complex was of “high or vital importance”, with a preferred location of Thames High School or Kōpū. However, the council’s financial analysis predicted a possible annual rates increase of between $1100 and $2000 per year depending on the chosen option, if the project was 100 per cent funded by ratepayers. The council’s long term plan had initially forecast a ratepayer impact of around $850 per year.
The report also noted that external grant funding was likely to be minimal, and recommended the council continue its investigation into aquatic options which will cost less to implement.
The board is expected to receive a final business case from the council towards the end of the year.
