Stratford Residents Happy With Reduced Seal Extension

At least that is what’s assumed by the lack of interest from public regarding Council’s draft 2010/2011 Annual Plan.

Stratford ratepayers will have no excuse to grumble in the future, says Stratford District Council CEO Michael Freeman. “Unless people make comments on our draft Annual Plan, they will have no reason to complain about council’s proposed budget,” he says.

The draft Annual Plan is a guide for council’s decision-making over the next financial year. The option of reducing seal extension from 5km to 2km with a proposed rates increase of 2.32% is the main matter included in this draft.

“Making a submission is easy,” Michael says. Council have given public plenty of ways to comment; by contacting the Council offices, obtaining a submission form from their website and through a newspaper insert.

“There have also been two open meetings around the district for any member of the public to attend,” Michael says. “We can’t make it any clearer how important and easy it is for Stratford residents to have their say.”

Response so far has been slow, with only four submissions. When asked what he expects people to submit, Michael suggests, “submissions are not just for negative comments, even if you are happy with council’s decision please let us know, we love to here any positive response from public”.

The submission period closes on 22 April 2010. Submissions can be made by visiting www.stratford.govt.nz, or you can contact the Council on 06 765 6099 for more information.

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