Media Release

5 April 2011

Selwyn District Council seeks submissions on its 2011/12 Annual Budget

A lower than anticipated general rate increase is one of the highlights of the Selwyn District Council draft 2011/12 Annual Budget released today for public submissions, but extra earthquake-related costs will need to be met.

Mayor Kelvin Coe acknowledged that the September and February earthquakes have had a significant impact on the district and have forced the Council to take steps to meet unexpected costs in this year's budget.

The Council had worked hard to ensure that any increases in rates were kept to a minimum, particularly given the difficult economic conditions residents have been under in the last couple of years, and because of the earthquakes.

"Despite the resilience demonstrated by our community, the earthquakes have impacted the Selwyn community - at emotional, physical and economic levels," said Mayor Coe.

"Council assets are well-insured and support has been forthcoming from central government, but we have no choice but ask ratepayers to cover a $2 million shortfall from approximately $15 million of total earthquake related damage."

The $2 million - not covered by insurance or government subsidy - includes repairs to the likes of cemetery headstones and tennis courts, earthquake-strengthening of some community buildings, and insurance policy excesses and welfare support.

The draft budget contains a rating charge to cover these earthquake-related costs, some increases to targeted rates and a number of new initiatives aimed at meeting the growing needs of Selwyn residents.

"The Council is recommending a once only charge of $135 to ratepayers in the 2011-12 financial year, so we can at least put some of the financial cost of the earthquake behind us as quickly as possible."

The Annual Budget also highlights the Council's proposed major projects for the next year.

"Despite recent disruption we still need to remember that Selwyn District is a vibrant community and one of the faster growing districts in New Zealand," said Mr Coe.

"This means we need to keep our eye on the future needs of our community and not be afraid to invest in projects that will deliver on these needs for years to come."

The major projects being proposed for the coming year include:

* Implementing the Selwyn District Swimming Pool Strategy - including building the new Selwyn District Aquatic Centre, continuing to fund the five community pools and introducing new funding to support school pools that are available to the public;

* Developing the Eastern Selwyn Sewerage Scheme;

* Building the new Lincoln Library and Service Centre; and

* Upgrading the roading link between Rolleston and Southern Christchurch (jointly funded by the New Zealand Transport Agency and ratepayers).

Council's normal maintenance and service delivery programmes are funded by the general rate with an anticipated 5.1% increase in costs this coming year.

Some targeted rates increases to support water and sewerage schemes are required and a new rate to fund the Swimming Pool Strategy is being introduced.

Resident's submissions on the draft Annual Budget are now open and can be made until 6 May 2011. To make a submission resident should visit www.selwyn.govt.nz or pick up a copy of a submission form and information on how to lodge a submission at any library/service centre.

Submitters who elect to be heard in person will have an opportunity to make their presentation on 27 and 30 May 2011 at the Selwyn District Council in Rolleston.

- Ends -

© Scoop Media