Council Spend-Ups Insult To Ratepayers

For councils to propose spending thousands of dollars on farewell parties, while at the same time warning of big rate increases under Super City, is an insult to ratepayers whose money that are spending.

On top of any council imposed rates increase this year ratepayers face a 2.5% increase in GST from October. Increases arising from Emissions Trading Scheme charges will also impact on all households.

While the change to SuperCity should in time result in at least a hold on rates increases the costs of setting up SuperCity must be met from existing and future funds – from ratepayers.

At this time councils should not be spending any all the funds they have – but should be applying the balance of funds to reducing debt. No matter how small amount that may be.

I do no object to staff parties – or councillors’ parties for that matter – but the cost of these should be met by those going to the parties.

Most council staff have a self-funded sports or social club which could fund these affairs, and councillors are paid well enough [by ratepayers] to afford to pay their own way.

Or the classic Kiwi way ‘BYO’.

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