That means within the next three years the average ratepayer will be paying about $1,000 more than they are today. For those renting, that means a $20 increase in rent a week.
The Mayor says the Council “cannot cost save our way out of this”.
He says the Council needs to “recalibrate”. We don’t buy that. Over the last six or more years, the council has helped itself to cheap money for non-essential vanity projects like its new $61m office building in Rust Ave.
We say enough is enough. Democracy Northland is challenging the Mayor and councillors: Put ratepayers first, or answer to ratepayers at next year’s local body election.
We say it is councillors who need to “recalibrate” It needs to ask itself two questions: What can ratepayers reasonably afford, and how much debt is sustainable? The answers will determine how much money councillors have available and it is up to them to establish priorities – like roading and infrastructure before fancy office buildings.
Times are tough for households and business owners. Our local councillors need to get real. A 17.2% rate increase (plus 10% next year plus 10% the year after) will create hardship for small business owners, those on fixed incomes, and those renting. They need to take the lead from central government and cut their budgets before imposing additional costs on ratepayers. Councillors must decide if they serve the community or the council bureaucracy.
