Fiscal footballs

Re ‘Huge rates increases for consultation' (SunLive, March 12). Ten out of 11 councillors have approved the plan to increase the average rates by 40 per cent over three years. Obviously, the ‘nice to haves' of a few has grown significantly. Councillors are clearly desperately focused on how to find more rates income rather than prudently limiting spending. The latter is in ratepayers' interests, the former in TCC staff interests.

The list of dream world huge spends includes: massive new office tower spiralling close to $100m, carpark buildings, museum, replace CBD library, stadiums and a lot more on the wish list. None are ‘essential' or core activities that will enhance the quality of essential services for citizens.

Councillors don't understand the basics. Spending more TCC ratepayer money (not their money) than income can only mean more debt and more rates. Debt having increased tenfold to date and set to at least double in the near future can only mean even more rates hikes will be demanded by council to be approved by councillors – there will be no choices left.

When the debt is paid off and there is money in the bank then, and only then, should the nice new shiny things be considered.

I Stevenson, Tauranga (Abridged).

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.