News Release
from the Hutt City Council

4 June 2009
Council to find savings to keep rates down

Residents and ratepayers can expect average rates in the coming year to increase by less than 3% as Hutt City Council responds to the global economic downturn.

Mayor David Ogden and councillors asked council managers yesterday to find savings of $600,000 in the year ahead to ensure the rate increase is kept to a minimum during deliberations on the 2009/19 Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP).

As a result the increase in council rates revenue in 2009/10 is now set at 3.4%, down from 3.9% projected in the draft LTCCP.

“Times are tough with many households and businesses struggling to make ends meet. Council recognises this and will cut its cloth to keep rate increases down,” said Mayor Ogden.

“We believe savings can be found and council managers have agreed to examine all areas of expenditure and come back with specifics on how this can be achieved.

“Council however remains committed to meeting the community’s need for services and facilities and the changes to the LTCCP reflect that, including:
• Additional $2.3m to bring council’s contribution to the Walter Nash Stadium upgrade to $4m
• Extra $100,000 for the Stokes Valley shopping centre upgrade in 2009/10
• $22m for Korohiwa bus barns redevelopment agreed to
• $800,000 for Wainuiomata Hill summit bridge in 2011/12
• $500,000 for Naenae subway improvements in 2011/12
• Additional $200,000 a year for cycle ways from 2009/10 to 2018/19
• Grants to Mitchell Street tennis courts ($200,000) and replacement hockey turf at Fraser Park ($100,000)
• $215m for environmental initiatives between 2009/10 and 2018/19
• $150,000 to upgrade security cameras in the CBD, and to install new cameras in Wainuiomata from 2009/10 to 2011/12
• Funding for a part-time CBD retail coordinator, and further funding to retain a retail coordinator for the Stokes Valley/Naenae/Taita shopping centres
• $300,000 for the final stage of Hutt Park redevelopment brought forward from 2014/15 to 2009/10
• $500,000 for a synthetic turf at Memorial Park brought forward from 2015/16 to 2011/12, and an extra $10,000 budgeted for in 2009/10
• $50,000 for sound and lighting improvements to Little Theatre in 2009/10
• $500,000 boost to events budget over 10 years
• $300,000 for new street trees to be planted between 2009/19
• Extra $185,000 to upgrade the Tutukiwi orchid house in 2009/10.
Other key features of the LTCCP include:
• $125m to upgrade McKenzie Pool in 2010/11
• $11m for a learn to swim pool at Huia Pool in 2012/13
• $24m to earthquake strengthen the main council building in 2016/17
• $18m for Cross Valley Link in 2015/16.
“This LTCCP is a responsible plan that shows we have listened to residents and ratepayers and continue to balance the community’s needs with keeping rate increases to a minimum.

“My thanks to councilors, council officers and, most of all, the public for their valuable contributions to the final LTCCP. We can all be very proud of the plan which gives great cause for confidence and optimism for the future of our wonderful city.”

ENDS

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