A number of changes to the previously proposed Annual Plan have been made by Rotorua district councillor's after day one of deliberations on submissions from the community.
The council received 295 submissions from individuals and groups, based largely on key topics outlined in an 2017/18 Annual Plan discussion document, which focused on "exceptions" or proposed changes to year three of the 2015-25 Long-term Plan (LTP).
The 2017/18 Annual Plan is year three of the Long Term Plan and under new legislation the council need consult only on matters that are significantly different to the Long Term Plan to ensure decisions already made are not re-litigated every year.
Five key matters highlighted in the consultation document were the East Rotoiti/Rotoma sewerage scheme, the extension to rural communities of waste management services and moving to a 100% targeted rate for these services, proposed earthquake strengthening and upgrade of the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, proposed museum targeted rate to compensate for lost revenue due to museum closure, and proposed removal of Lakes Community Board targeted rate.
The council also sought feedback on a proposed 50 per cent reduction in the farming remission which was introduced in 2015 and on regulation of short term rental accommodation.
