Councilors voted to increase rates by an average of 4.5 percent when they approved its 2022/23 annual plan at a council meeting on Tuesday.
“It was a big piece of work because of the current economic situation,” Mr Gordon said.
He says the annual plan largely follows last year’s 2021/31 Long-Term Plan (LTP), with some adjustments to reflect the challenging economic environment.
Economic indicators suggest that the Waimakariri district is performing well, despite the impact of Covid-19 and global economic uncertainty.
The prospect of nearly 900 new homes being built this year offers some optimism going forward, Mr Gordon said.
“We wanted to ensure that we would be able to deliver everything we had planned and not end up with a case of over-promise and submission.
“I am very confident that we can deliver the very high level of service that our taxpayers expect, while ensuring that we do not overspend at this critical time.”
This year’s annual plan includes upgrades to drinking water plants, increased funding for the proposed mixed-use community center in Kaiapoi, upgrades to Rangiora Airport and funding to protect significant natural areas.
Capital works are not forgotten, with increased funding allocated to the Kaiapoi stormwater and flood improvements and upgrades to road infrastructure.
Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson said this year’s annual plan discussions were “the most honest we have ever been with ourselves with what we can and cannot deliver.”
“We have change of government coming, we have the non-supply of materials and we have inflation.
“The earthquakes were a difficult time, but it was quite specific to Canterbury, but it (Covid-19) affected the whole country.
“We’re going to have an incredibly rough two years ahead, so I think this year plan is a great achievement.”
Kr. Paul Williams expressed concern that the percentages of funding rates allocated to padry appear to be lower than funding for libraries, parks and swimming pools.
Mr Gordon said it was a topic that needed further debate, but he noted the feedback from residents indicated that the council was heading in the right direction.
“We’re constantly getting feedback on how much people value our libraries and pools, so I’m comfortable with the rate resolution.”
Last year, the council considered climate change in the LTP for the first time. Mr Gordon says this year’s annual plan is underpinned by a deliberate effort to improve well-being, the environment and sustainability in a growing district.
“People have told us they are happy with our advocacy around Three Waters and our commitment to balance growth and optimism with economic uncertainty.”
– By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter