05 June 2009

Increase carved to 6.5% from potential 19%

Kapiti Coast District Council has carved a potential rate increase of 19 per cent down to an average increase of 6.5% for 2009/2010 while maintaining levels of service and providing for a programme of essential capital works and upgrades, Mayor Jenny Rowan said today.

“The final report and figures are subject to an initial review by the Office of the Auditor General and then a final review and vote by the Council on June 25. However, the Council has clearly signalled its intention to settle on a budget which will continue essential development and inject much needed money and work into our local community.

“When we started our deliberations several months ago, we were faced with a potential increase in rates of 19 per cent to maintain and develop the district’s projects. After a line-by-line analysis by the management team followed by an intensive line-by-line scrutiny by the Council, I’m pleased we’ve managed to cut the average increase down to 6.5 per cent while still getting on with the projects the district clearly wants to progress,” Mayor Rowan said.

“There is provision for $29 million in capital works in the 2009/2010 year.

“The Western Link has been on the district’s books for nearly 30 years. We just have to get on and build it and tenders will be let towards the end of the year for the first of the work on Stage One from Te Moana Road to Mazengarb.

“Water quality and supply is the number one issue for the district and we’ve set aside money for improving supply/storage/capacity with initial work involving site studies and selection. We’re also looking at a comprehensive conservation package.

“In the next year we’re renewing some of the ageing reticulation in Paekakariki, building a Milne Drive to Kiwi Road pipeline connection, carrying out some renewal work on the Waikanae Water Treatment Plan and starting preparatory work on the reservoir site for Ōtaki.

“With strong support for the proposed Aquatic Centre the Council has voted to keep the $10 million in the budget for the Centre and to encourage the Aquatic Centre Trust to continue with its job of raising the remaining $13 million needed to provide the high quality facility proposed. This is a project which deserves community support and which will inject both money and jobs into the local economy as well as building a great community asset.

“There’s money for stormwater upgrades and in particular a proactive approach being taken to finally sorting out the problems in Raumati Village.

“Town Centre upgrades in Paraparaumu Beach and then in Ōtaki Main Street are on the current and forward programme. Work will start in Ōtaki in 2009/2010 and be complete in 2010/2011 with a total budget of $1.7 million.

“The Council and management team and staff have worked hard over several months to come up with a budget which is affordable but which still ensure the district can progress with our outstanding infrastructure projects.

“Overall I think we’ve come up with a good result,” Jenny Rowan said.

ENDS

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