ARC parks levy courts controversy

By WAYNE THOMPSON

The Auckland council that sparked a ratepayers' revolt is courting fresh controversy with a scheme to pay for more park land.

The Auckland Regional Council is looking at imposing a $10 annual levy on each ratepayer - on top of what comes out of the general rate for buying parks.

About $4.5 million a year could be raised in this way for a special parks acquisition fund, say council officers.

It is seen as an alternative to borrowing money for parks and preferable to charging an entry fee.

The council has 38,000ha of regional parks but says it is under pressure to expand the holding, because of population growth and increasing demand for open spaces for recreation and relaxation.

Long-term budgets allow for about $27 million for park purchases from the general rate over the next decade.

A copy of the draft regional community plan obtained by the Herald yesterday warns councillors the $10 park idea should be introduced only if there is a "clear mandate from the community".

ARC parks chairman Bill Burrill was unavailable for comment.

Regional Ratepayers Rebellion campaign spokesman David Thornton said the council was trying to add an annual uniform charge to the rates under a different label.

But he was pleased the council was seeking public reaction before introducing it.

Relentless pressure from ratepayer protests was, he said, forcing some councillors to accept the folly of last year's rating policies.

The parks fund is one of five key issues covered in the draft community plan which councillors are expected to approve on Monday so it can be sent out for public comment.

The main issue is the proposal for an average ratepayer increase of 3.2 per cent - without cutting services.

Last year, ratepayers were hit with rises of up to 657 per cent when the ARC switched to direct rating.

It had forecast an average rise of 18.8 per cent for this year, mainly to pay for the new train service.

But the draft plan says this has been avoided by a significant boost for public transport from the Government via Transfund.

The draft plan says "following concern shown by the community at last year's rates increases the ARC has concentrated on keeping any rate increase this year to an absolute minimum".

The draft budget calls for $109.7 million in rates.

About 55 cents in every rates dollar will be spent on transport, in addition to help from Transfund.

Major changes

Key issues affecting ARC rates 2004-05

* An average 3.2 per cent rates increase.

* A $10 levy a year on each ratepayer for new parks.

* Alternatives for spreading the burden of the transport rate, including a business differential rate.

* More choices for paying rates.

* Changes to the ARC transport role and responsibilities.