Tasman District Council’s approves Draft Annual Plan for public consultation

Tasman District Council approved its Draft Annual Plan for public consultation at its meeting on Friday 12 March.

The Draft Annual Plan proposes an average general rates increase of 3.97%, 3% of which is an allowance for inflation.

Tasman District Council also has a number of targeted rates for specific services it provides. As the targeted rates apply to properties depending on the services being provided, the proposed total rates increase will not be the same for all properties. For most properties the total rates increase proposed will be around 5 %, including a 3 % allowance for inflation.

Within the 3.97% general rate increase, there is an increase to the Uniform Annual General Charge of $20 per annum ($240 to $260) a rate every property pays. In addition, to take account of inflation and increased costs, there will be small increases in fees and charges.

“This Draft Annual Plan process has not seen much movement from the ten year plan finalised last year, however, we have taken the opportunity, in recognising the lingering effects of the recession, to review costs and possible savings. To this end we have managed a reduction of the average rate increase to 397% from the 5.12% within the Ten Year Plan” says Mayor Richard Kempthorne.

“I encourage you to read the Summary of the Draft Annual Plan, which will go out to all Tasman residents as a special edition of the Council’s Newsline on 19 March. Now is your opportunity to put in a submission and provide feedback on the Draft Annual Plan and I encourage you to do so” he said.

The full Draft Annual Plan will be available on Monday 22 March on Council’s website and from Council offices and libraries.

Submissions will close on Monday 26 April.

ENDS

© Scoop Media