Grey District Council settles on rate increase of 5.99%

16 June 2023

Grey District Council has settled on an average rate increase of 5.99% for next year.

Yesterday at an Extraordinary Meeting, Council discussed the impact of the decisions made at the Draft Annual Plan hearing on Tuesday 30 May 2023.

The decisions made include a requirement by the remuneration authority to increase Elected Members remuneration by $37,400, an increase in audit fees of $66,000, additional funding for Emergency Management of $11,500, funding of $10,000 towards compost bins for those over 65 and an increase in debt funding for stormwater renewals of $11,500.

This resulted in an increase to the original general rate of 5.63% forecast in the Draft Annual Plan to 6.13%. Council discussed the increase and chose to lower the average rate rise to 5.99% by increasing debt funding of stormwater renewals by $28,000.

The average rate increase of 5.99% remains in line with Council’s Long Term Plan, which forecast an average rate increase of 6% for year three.

Tania Gibson, Grey District Mayor, said she was pleased with the robust discussion that was had between Councillors at the meeting.

“It is a significant rate rise, however in the context of the current climate of inflation and rising costs, this is a prudent decision."

Council is very mindful of the impacts of cost increases on the residents of the District and has aimed to balance the effect of the rates increase with the commitment to delivery of Council work and services.

“We’ve worked hard to keep the rise to a minimum and this decision will help Council to continue to deliver key services without impacting the agreed level of service,” said Mayor Gibson.

The final Annual Plan is set to be adopted by Council on 29 June 2023.

ENDS

Contact:

Grey District Council

Phone 03 769 8600