New expenditure across the city as rates increase kept to a minimum

Auckland city residents and ratepayers will see over $445 million of capital expenditure across their city next year, while the average rates increase is kept to 1.9 per cent, lower than council’s rate of inflation.

After an overhaul of council spending, last years’ projected three per cent rates increase for 2010/2011, was revised to 1.9 per cent at today’s council meeting to adopt the annual plan.

“Auckland City Council is committed to keeping rates affordable, while still delivering on the essential progress needed for the city to grow and prosper,” says Councillor Douglas Armstrong, chairperson of the Finance and Strategy Committee.

“We are very aware of the economic times we live in and every council budget has been closely looked at for all possible savings.

“However, despite these savings, we are still able to spend $445 million in maintaining our existing services like rubbish and rates; the building and buying of new assets such as parks and libraries; and hosting great free events for your enjoyment.”

Mr Armstrong adds, “The council has done a great job of hitting their savings targets and identifying opportunities for reducing costs wherever possible.

“At the end of the day, the dollars are best left in the ratepayers pockets.”

There were some notable changes from the draft annual plan adopted into the final document.

They include:

o Bringing forward $1.5 million for the Mt Roskill library redevelopment to 2011/2012 to align with the timing for the Fickling Centre upgrade
o An additional $1.49 million for the Pah Homestead redevelopment, spread over 2009/2010 and 2010/2011, and an additional $200,000 per annum operational expenditure for five years from 2010/2011
o An additional $300,000 for the improved maintenance on four of our most loved volcanic cones - Mt Albert – Owairaka, Mt Roskill – Puketapapa, Mt Eden – Maungawhau and Mt Wellington – Maungarei.
o Further budget for the Owairaka Domain Landscape master plan. An additional $565,000 was allocated for work over 2010-2012 on top of the $217,500 already in place for work over the next two years.
o $26 million for Queens Wharf in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 only if the sheds on the wharf are restored or refurbished for the Rugby World Cup, and in the case of Shed 10, future medium term use includes the option of a cruise ship terminal
o $2 million in 2010/2011 for event space upgrades relating to Rugby World Cup 2011
o $750,000 allocated over the next two years to walking and cycling projects in the city centre
o An additional $1.5 million in 2010/2011 to acquire open spaces
o $50,000 to design and position at least two critters in the city centre
o A new public toilet as part of the Fort Street upgrade
o $450,000 for safety initiatives on Tamaki Drive
o Cost savings of between $3.3 million and $3.5 million per annum for footpath renewals between 2011 and 2014

For a full list of all the projects and services the council is undertaking in 2010/2011 check the Auckland City Council Annual Plan 2010/2011 – available online at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/annualplan in late May or in hard copy at your local library (reference section).

ENDS

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