Consultation on the annual plan opened last week and residents are encouraged to have their say on the plan.
Mayor Craig Rowley said the council was aware the rates increase would not be welcome news for ratepayers and the wider community, but there was no “magic solution” to reducing rates.
“We are aware that this comes at a financially difficult time for some people. Unfortunately, we are not immune to inflation and face many of the same cost pressures as everyone else.”
“Costs have risen on all fronts. Water, road management, waste management and government compliance are some of the services the council has to provide and they have all become much more expensive.
“This draft plan allows us to maintain current service levels and prioritize the management of our existing assets. We cannot allow our existing assets to fall into disrepair. We have to be careful with what we have.”
Mr Rowley said Waimate residents would notice the annual plan was a little different this year. This was intended to be the first year of the 2024-2034 long-term plan, but due to uncertainty over the government's reforms and direction, the council was preparing an annual plan for 2024-25 and a nine-year long-term plan would be drawn up. made next year.
Registration closes on Friday, May 24 at 12 noon.
The consultation document and full draft annual plan can be viewed online at waimatec.govt.nz/annualplan