PNCC Annual Plan Adopted and Rates Set

Palmerston North City Council has confirmed an overall increase in rates of 3.9 per cent for the year beginning July 2016.

Council has today (Monday June 20) formally adopted the Annual Plan and set the rates for 2016/17.

PNCC Chief Executive Paddy Clifford says day to day services will be maintained to the same high standard.

“We’ll continue to provide clean water, playgrounds, sport fields, parks and reserves. We’ll also help community groups and keep our roads and footpaths in good shape as we always do.”

The Annual Plan includes spending for more city events including the Gold Cup Racing Festival, a new winter festival as well as the New Zealand Rural Games and New Zealand Food Awards.

“We want to make our City a more fun and vibrant place to live but we also recognise that top class events attract more visitors. They’ll be spending while they’re here and that’s great for local business,” says Mayor Grant Smith.

Council has also committed a contribution of $50,000 a year over three years towards the restoration and refurbishment of Massey University’s Refectory Building.

The overall rates increase of 3.9 per cent is the same as forecast in the Council’s 10 Year Plan but the cost of rates will be spread differently than before due to new property valuations.

Some valuations have increased for the first time in more a decade so rates in some areas will rise more than others.

“We’ve been very conscious as a Council about keeping rate rises as low as possible while ensuring we have enough money to continue to provide top quality services as well as introduce a few new things which will be of benefit to all,” says Mayor Smith.

Rates assessments and invoices will go out on August 1.

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