Chedworth resident Sarah Brodley-Davies, whose 1200sq m gully section has benefited from more than 100 native trees through the programme, said it was "the pits" and a very short-term approach to saving $65,000 a year.
The programme supports private gully restoration and enables residents to apply for free native trees such as mahoe, wine berry, lace bark, totara and kauri, as well as educating owners about how to look after the trees, what to plant and where to plant them.
From May to August this year 90 residents reaped the benefits.
"There are gullies all over Hamilton. It's quite unique, Hamilton is making its mark as a destination from a marketing point of view. If it's purely about the dollar issue, they could make money by taking tours of them," said Ms Brodley-Davies. "It's a real treasure here and it's really unique."
Visitors to Hamilton Gardens could be charged for some projects by 2015 while parks and gardens fees could increase by inflation plus 5 per cent if the council accepts all the changes.
The YMCA in Pembroke St, which runs several basketball, fitness, out-of-school programmes and services, could have its funding cut by a third to $60,000 a year. Former Hamilton mayor Margaret Evans said when the agreement was first signed with the YMCA the council was told it would be self-sufficient within three years.
Continued support of the indoor recreation facility at Avalon Drive and upgrading the Te Rapa Sports Drome will be considered on October 25 when the council looks at slashing spending by $500 million during the 2012/22 Long Term Plan.
ON THE BLOCK
PARKS AND GARDENS
Gully restoration programme: save $65,000
Halve tree-planting on streets and parks: save $320,000
Reduce toilet cleaning, mowing frequencies, planting beds and rubbish bin removal: save $615,000
Increase parks fees and charges by 5 per cent: $55,000
INDOOR RECREATION
Reduce operating funding to Hamilton YMCA: save $30,000
