The previous council had previously forecast a surplus of $1.3m for the year.
Unbudgeted spending to the tune of $1m, a $415,000 increase in depreciation and reduced income of almost $800,000 have contributed to the variance of $2.2m.
Despite the large deficit, councillors were mute on the financials, which McMillan noted were interim and were subject to change.
Mayor Bruce Smith questioned the forecast overall debt position of $16.7m, which was $2.4m less than the $19.1m projected.
McMillan said that was mainly due to timing with a number of projects such as the Lake Kaniere Rd sealing being carried over into the new financial year.
The closure of the Hokitika Museum caused a $47,000 decrease in income for the year and a New Zealand Transport Agency subsidy was $744,000 less than budgeted, in part due to the weather.
Expenditure included in the unbudgeted operating costs were: damaged culvert pipes due to overweight vehicles ($264,000), remedial works at the Franz Josef Glacier oxidation ponds ($123,000), wastewater 'proceedings' at the Franz Alpine Retreat subdivision ($106,000), repairs to the Hokitika sewerage outfall pipe ($43,000), an unforeseen pump breakdown in Fitzherbert St ($25,000) and the earthquake assessment for the Centennial Swimming Pool ($11,000).
Unbudgeted spending later approved by the council included the Hokitika Spit erosion control ($192,000), pH correction at the Blue Spur water treatment plant ($50,000) and management of the Carnegie Building ($13,000), which reopened in March.
The fresh year forecast has budgeted for a $2.5m surplus at June 30 next year.
The final audited financials will be released with the annual report by October 31.
- Hokitika Guardian
