Whakatāne District Council’s 2019/20 draft Annual Plan deliberations process continues to progress following a key Council meeting on 5 June. Council agreed to proceed with the key changes set out in the Annual Plan Consultation Document, with minor amendments considered at the second of two deliberations meetings.

Mayor Tony Bonne says Council elected members had been thoughtful in their approach to public submissions and were able to incorporate a number of changes while keeping overall average rates increase in-line with what was consulted on through the Annual Plan Consultation Document.

"Council has agreed to an average rates increase of 4.16 percent which was forecast in the Anual Plan Consultation Document, and sits within the limit set out in our financial strategy, and reflects the significant spending priorities for the coming financial year," he says. "Council has endeavoured to maximise opportunities that are currently available, while also being responsive to future changes from Central Government, particularly in the water and wastewater space."

Mayor Tony Bonne says the Council and staff have worked hard to manage a budget which provides a huge amount of value in return for rates when taking into account the breadth of services delivered across the District.

While the average rates increase of 4.16 percent applies across the District, some communities will see a greater percentage increase which largely reflects an investment into water and wastewater services.

The final series of changes included in Council’s second deliberations meeting included:

• Funding of $100,000 to progress the next steps for integrated wastewater approaches
• Approval for $60,000 to address firefighting capability for Melville Drive
• A commitment of $30,000 to support key community development initiatives across the District
• Changes to Council’s Fees and Charges with minor impacts on charges for trade waste, building warrant of fitness renewal, restricted reserve access and the Edgecumbe Hall
• A budget increase for expenditure from the Harbour Fund for costs associated with the town regeneration project and downtown Whakatāne property investments 

Savings from reduced interest rates of $150,000 were applied to offset the rates requirement for 2019/20 and reserve surpluses applied to reduce the rates requirements by $275,000.

Two key projects are pending confirmation of financial support from Central Government. Funding announcements for both the Safe Roads Alliance for safety improvements on Wainui Road, and the Awatarariki managed retreat programme are expected to be made prior to the adoption of the Annual Plan.

The final Annual Plan 2019-20 will be put forward for adoption at an Extraordinary Council meeting on 27 June.

Find more information on the annual plan consultation page »