Hastings District Council (HDC) has revealed plans for a large rates hike of 8.5 per cent from July, while ruling out public consultation on its plans for the coming year.
Other councils around Hawke’s Bay are also expected to announce their proposed rates increases in the coming weeks for the upcoming 2023/24 council year (which begins in July).
HDC has cited the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, high inflation costs and the purchase of the Tomoana Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds as three main factors for its proposed rates jump.
For a homeowner whose current rates bill is around $2800 per annum, it will mean an extra $238 per year on their bill, or roughly an extra $5 per week.
HDC shared its proposed rates increase (8.5 per cent) during a meeting on Tuesday, which was above the projected 5.7 per cent included in its Long Term Plan.