WBOPDC reduces debt, increases rates

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has adopted its 2017/18 Annual Plan. File photo.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has adopted its 2017/2018 Annual Plan, striking a rates increase of one per cent for existing ratepayers and reducing debt by $19 million.

The total rates increase is 2.65 per cent, of which growth makes up 1.67 per cent.

The Annual Plan sets out what the council intends to do over the next 12 months, why projects were chosen, and what they will cost.

It essentially sets the budget and tracks delivery of projects informed by the Long Term Plan (LTP) – a road map and strategy for the coming three years, which looks as far out as a decade.

Western Bay Council Mayor Garry Webber says this Annual Plan is a great result for Western Bay residents.

'Given the number of new houses being built, we are planning for an additional 350 ratepayers (1.67 per cent) to be added to our district in the coming year. We're investing in infrastructure projects as and when this growth and development occurs which is in line with our ‘just in time' philosophy.

'Accordingly the rates increase for existing residents of 1.0 per cent is actually down from a projected 2.4 per cent and comes at no cost to service delivery – we're delivering on the projects we said we would during the last LTP.”

In the 2017/2018 financial year the council will collect $58.81 million in total rates, a reduction of $830,000 on the initial Long Term Plan estimate for the 2017/18 year.

Total rates of $58.81m are comprised of district rates ($35.85 million); community board rates ($418,459); water supply ($6.57 million), wastewater ($9.99 million); stormwater ($3.99 million) and other targeted rates ($1.99 million).

District rates totalling $35.85 million are comprised of the general rate ($19.42 million); town centre rate ($211,440); library rate ($1.62 million); roading rate ($13.70 million) and environmental protection rate ($900,000).

Capital expenditure has increased from $29.69 million to $39.72 million. This relates to uncompleted works carried forward from 2017 to the 2018 financial year.

In the coming year the major projects planned for include:

  • Katikati Library and Community Hub – deferred from 2016/17 due to design delays
  • LED Streetlights – converting street lights to LED to reduce maintenance and operating costs. Eighty per cent of this investment is subsidised by the New Zealand Transport Agency
  • Omokoroa Road upgrades and roundabout build
  • Te Puna West Wastewater Scheme
  • Ongare Point Wastewater Scheme
  • Upgrading of Animal Shelters – deferred from 2016/17 due to design delays.

'What's really pleasing is that we can show how we're delivering on promises made during the last LTP and how, where appropriate, we've made some minor changes to our capital works programme to recognise changed circumstances, feedback from our communities and our focus on ‘just in time' planning.”

The council's current focus is on getting the community involved in our upcoming 2018 – 2028 Long Term Plan, says Garry.

'We're engaging early and putting a lot of time and effort into an ongoing campaign called ‘It's About You' – encouraging as many of our Western Bay residents to have their say and be involved in this important planning process.

'Their words and submissions will help us shape the 2018 – 2028 Long Term Plan and make a real and tangible difference in your community. I encourage all to take part.”

To keep up-to-date with where the council is at with this process, visit itsaboutyou.co.nz.

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2 comments

Yes and No

Posted on 29-06-2017 14:08 | By Murray.Guy

WBOPDC says it is reducing debt and that has to be a good thing if no reduction in service quality. However, the increase in rates given present interest rates and 'growth', rate increases should be at no more than 1.5% as growth (more residents and property rates) should mean greater efficiencies and reduced costs in fixed expenditure areas. 'Growth should NOT be costing existing ratepayers as this makes a mockery out of the constant cry in regards the 'benefits of growth'.


reducing debt

Posted on 30-06-2017 12:47 | By Beachwatch

WBOPDC DEBT REDUCTION IS ONLY $11.2 MILLLION NOT $19 MILLION AS CLIAMEDLOOK AT PAGE 131 PAR 7.2 FOR THE JUNE 16 TO JUNE 17 COMPARISION PERHAPS A BIT OF WISHFUL THINKING


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