Rural rates take expected to decrease

Rural ratepayers will see a decrease in rates due to efficiencies gained in the roading budget, which is the largest component of the rural rate.

South Wairarapa rural ratepayers can expect a decrease for the 2015-16 year while urban ratepayers can expect a rise in their rates.

Rural ratepayers will see a decrease in rates due to efficiencies gained in the roading budget, which is the largest component of the rural rate.

An increase in the government subsidy and combining contracts with other councils has reduced the costs of roading.

The average rates increase will be 2.98 per cent for South Wairarapa residents, according to the consultation document adopted by the district council last week, for its Long Term Plan 2015-2025.

Urban ratepayers can expect a rates increase above the 2.98 per cent, driven by the increased cost of wastewater disposal.

"This is a necessary increase and one council has little control over following government policy statements," the council said.

It has already started a $29 million wastewater treatment project to discharge to land, rather than waterways, after the Government said discharging to water was no longer acceptable.

South Wairarapa mayor Adrienne Staples said the proposed changes to "user pays" fees for council services reduced the requirement from the general rate take.

"This has resulted in more fairly matching the beneficiary of the service to the payer of that service, or the 'exacerbator pays' principle.

"This shift is not about collecting more revenue, but changing who pays."

Mrs Staples said council would continue with "the exciting projects previously signalled including the Martinborough Town Hall, Featherston Town Centre, and wastewater".

She said the proposed gliding centre on council-owned land was also an exciting new development.

"It will result in a real economic benefit and become a significant amenity for South Wairarapa and the wider district."

Submissions on the consultation document close June 2 with hearings on June 10-11.

Rates examples and more information can be found at www.swdc.govt.nz, public libraries and the council.

Need to know more?

Informal public workshops hosted by the mayor, councillors and community board members will be held to present and discuss the background of the plan.

- Martinborough: South Wairarapa District Council Chambers, 7pm, May 18

- Featherston: Kiwi Hall, 7pm, May 19

- Greytown: Greytown Town Centre, 7pm, May 20

- Tuturumuri: Tuturumuri School Hall, 7pm, May 25