An Enhanced Annual Plan for the upcoming year has been adopted by Westland District Council. Changes were made to the draft plan over the last six weeks to provide some relief to ratepayers through reductions in the general rate increase.

There is good news for the Ross community, with the Council supporting the community’s feedback and keeping the budget to repair the structure at the Ross Swimming Pool. Residents in the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Townships can also celebrate, their strong support ensured the retention of their Community Development Officers with increased funding of $35,500 for each role. The Council has included the budget for earthquake strengthening at the current Council headquarters with community support and will plan to sell the Pakiwaitara Building, which will be consulted on through the Long Term Plan in 2025. Reinstatement of funding will keep the public toilets at the Drummond Hall on Tancred Street open, and GreyPower and the Lions Club of Hokitika receive grant funding of $5000 each to assist with opening their toilet facilities to the public.. The Regent Theatre benefits from grant funding in 2024/2025 of $64,840. The Council will continue to collect the Hokitika Area Promotions Rate from Hokitika businesses on behalf of Destination Hokitika..

Of the 18.64% average rate increase for the 2024/2025 year, 16% is attributed to reinstatement of depreciation for the drinking water, stormwater and wastewater assets. As this funding is targeted to ratepayers who receive these services they will see the greatest changes to their rates bills. The overall general rate increase is 2.84%, lower than the current CPI of 4%. Final rates are also affected by the property revaluations carried out late last year, with some property valuations increasing significantly while other properties reduced in value. Revaluations will be reflected in the final rates bill for each property.

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