Delivered
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon says the council is making sure they don’t promise too much and don’t deliver.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon praised the staff’s efforts after the Waimakariri district council confirmed “one of the lowest rate hikes in the country.”
Councilors voted in a council meeting on Tuesday for the annual plan 2022-2023, with an average rate increase of 4.5%.
“It’s been a big job because of the current economic situation,” Gordon said.
The annual plan largely followed last year’s long-term 2021-31 (LTP) plan, with some adjustments to reflect the challenging economic environment, he said.
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Economic indicators indicate 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 gives some optimism for the future, Gordon said.
“We wanted to make sure that we could deliver on everything we planned and that we wouldn’t end up with a case of over-promising and under-delivery.
“I am confident that we will be able to provide the very high level of service our taxpayers expect, while ensuring we are not overspending at this critical time.”
David Hill/LDRO
The Waimakariri District Council is voting on its 2022-23 annual plan.
This year’s annual plan includes upgrades to drinking water facilities, increased funding for the proposed mixed-use community center in Kaiapoi, upgrades to the Rangiora airport, and funding to protect key wildlife areas.
Capital works are not forgotten, with increased funding for the Kaiapoi stormwater and flood road infrastructure improvements and upgrades.
Deputy Major Neville Atkinson said the deliberations on this year’s annual plan were “the fairest we’ve ever been to ourselves about what we can and cannot deliver”.
“We have change from the government, we have a shortage of materials and we have inflation.
delivered
The purple area signals Kaiapoi land that the Waimakariri District Council plans to set aside for a community center.
“The earthquakes were a tough time, but it was quite specific to Canterbury, but this (Covid-19) has hit the whole country.
“We have two incredibly tough years ahead of us, so I think this annual plan is a great achievement.”
Cr Paul Williams expressed concern that the percentages of funding allocated to road traffic were found to be lower than funding for the libraries, parks and swimming pools.
Gordon said it was a topic that needed further discussion, but he noted that feedback from residents indicated the council was moving in the right direction.
GOODS
How are the municipal rates calculated?
“We get constant feedback on how much people like our libraries and pools, so I’m happy with the pricing solution.”
Last year, the council included climate change in the MJP for the first time.
Gordon said this year’s annual plan was supported by a conscious effort to improve well-being, the environment and sustainability in a growing district.
“People have told us they are pleased with our advocacy around Three Waters and our commitment to balancing growth and optimism with economic uncertainty.”