OPINION
With my councillor hat on, the 2024-25 Long-Term Plan (LTP) is the ‘talk of the town’ or should be, as our draft LTP has the most issues presented to our community, the highest proposed rate increases in my near 18 years on council, with issues that should touch many, if not all sectors of our community.
It is natural to focus on the 2024 10.6 per cent average proposed rate increase (2023 7.8 per cent average), with an average of 12.8 per cent residential (mainly due to urban recycling service due to start July 2024), 6 per cent lifestyle, 8.5 per cent farming and 2.5 per cent commercial, which are the highest rate increases in my time on council, during a cost of living crisis.
That average 10.6 per cent rate increase equates to $3838 per property or $74 per week and while not defending this, it has been pointed out that some other weekly basics like food (average $308), electricity ($47) and phone and internet ($46) suggest our residents get a good range and option of council services for their weekly rate.
As mentioned, there are lots/too many issues in our LTP to get people’s heads around and somehow we have to strike a balance between rate restraint and keeping Whanganui vibrant and open to enjoy and grow. I’m particularly interested in feedback on sport and recreation activities and projects, as I firmly believe health and activity are crucial for the wellbeing of our community, particularly our children.
