West Coast ratepayers kept in dark over rates increase
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Ratepayers are being kept in the dark over whether the West Coast Regional Council will ping them with a large rates increase this year.
The council is expected to release its consultation document for its 2024-34 long-term plan (LTP) in March, which will outline the rates plan for 2024-25.
However, it won't say what increase it's looking at.
The council has been meeting behind closed doors since March 2023 in a series of eight workshops for the LTP.
The Ombudsman last year called for councils to open workshops by default after an investigation found the public was being shut out of some meetings without valid reason.
The council's finalised plan will include projected annual rates for the life of the plan.
In 2023, the council passed a 16.4% rates increase, although a Civil Defence levy doubled for all ratepayers at the time. Ratepayers living in special rating districts, like the Greymouth Floodwall area, were also hit with large increases above ordinary rates.
At the time, Risk and Assurance Committee chairperson Frank Dooley, an accountant, was the sole voice of dissent.
He said the rates hike needed to be much higher after years of relatively low increases and a deficit in council resources.
But Dooley declined this week to say what the projected rates increase might be in 2024-25.
He said the council was due to have another LTP workshop late this month, following which the public consultation document release in March would be settled.
This was pending the outcome of a compulsory audit of the LTP document.
Dooley said council had filed its draft LTP for audit by January 8.
"Council met that deadline. We're waiting on the audit process to go through."
Dooley said there may be a delay in the LTP draft going out for consultation depending on the need for any amendments. If that were the case, then the draft would need to go back to the auditor - although no amendments were foreseen at this stage.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
-
53.5% Yes
-
46.5% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
🚧 Big upgrades are on the way for Haast!
Motorists travelling on SH6 near Haast should be ready for some delays, with $5 million worth of work kicking off on important improvements to the highway.
The Gates of Haast Gorge bridge, which connects the 140km journey between Haast and Wānaka, is a crucial link — especially for locals and visitors heading to the West Coast glaciers.
A bit of patience now for safer, stronger roads ahead! 💛
Loading…
