Rates to rise 4.9 per cent in Rodney

Rodney District Council has approved a 4.9 per cent average rate increase for 2009-10 after hearing public views on a proposed a 5.2 per cent rise.

Mayor Penny Webster said if Rodney ratepayers did not have to pay for regional levies, the average rate increase would only be 2.6 per cent.

The council trimmed some of its spending over the next 10 years thanks to the pending Super City merger.

Last year, the council moved into a $13 million extension at Orewa.

The roof on the council's Orewa office was due to be replaced in six years at a cost of $573,000.

That has been removed from the project list as inappropriate until the future use of the building is known.

Rodney is resisting joining the Super City and wants to become a unitary council, which means it will carry out the functions of the Auckland Regional Council within the district.

A planned office refurbishment of $425,000 has been trimmed by $120,000. Most of that work will allow the civil defence emergency operations centre to shift into the main building from rental premises.

The council has also reviewed the rating system. Its "pan tax" makes way for a charge based on volume, which it says it is a more fair and efficient way to charge wastewater services.

It also decided yesterday to scrap an unpopular bid to make Kawau Island properties contribute to the district's transport rate. Cutting other new charges will save $117 a property.