Grey District Council has today confirmed its draft Enhanced Annual Plan 2024/2025.
The Plan outlines a 13.65% rate rise for the district, in what Acting CE Paul Pretorius is calling a ‘back to basics’ budget.
“We continue to face significant economic challenges with our increased costs for delivering services and maintaining our infrastructure. We’re also acutely aware of the impact the current economic climate is having on our community.
“With this in mind we have landed on what we consider to be a very prudent financial plan for the next twelve months. We have stripped our commitments back to absolute basics to mitigate the extreme financial pressures on all local authorities at this time.”
Mr Pretorius says Council has also recognised community frustration around the amount of money spent on consultants over the last few years.
“We have removed much of this allocation from our budgets as we get back to basics and do as much as we can in house with our very capable team.”
Mayor Tania Gibson says it’s important to note that there are some projects that are under way that won’t have an impact on the rates rise.
“The library, for example, is a long-term project that has intergenerational benefits for all our communities. This project will be loan funded and the impact on rates will be negligible. For instance, it does not have a bearing on the rate we have set this year.
“As a council we’ve agreed to loan up to $11million over 20 years which will be boosted by $4m funding from Development West Coast and supported by Kanoa and Better Off, which will each contribute $2m. It’s an opportunity that isn’t likely to be open to us in the future.”
Mr Pretorius said Council will soon be consulting with the community on the joint venture model outlining the GDC /DWC partnership. The outcome of consultation may change the makeup of the legal entity to be created to own and manage the proposed new building.
Mayor Gibson acknowledged the proposed rate increase of 13.65% was not an easy amount for Council or the community, but Grey District Council is still coming out as one of the lower Councils in the country.
“It certainly keeps me awake at night, but our staff have cut hard, and everywhere possible so we can be sure we’re maintaining our assets and providing a service our community can be proud of.”
The Draft Enhanced Annual Plan and the accompanying Consultation Document will be available on the Council website and Have your say Grey from today. The consultation period will close on May 16 2024, with Council set to hear submission on 4 June.
