Better-than-expected deficit reported

The Grey District Council is reporting a better-than-expected deficit of $3.4 million for the year ended 30 June 2026, below the budgeted $6.6 million, due to ongoing work to reduce costs.

“The decreased deficit is attributable to the hard work by staff to keep costs down and find savings where available,” Group Manager Corporate Services Kathryn Ruddle said.

During the year, Council spent $18.5 million on capital projects, including sewerage schemes, water projects and our share of He Kupenga Mātauranga (which includes the new Greymouth library). The new Cobden wastewater pumping station was commissioned, which means wastewater from Cobden now gets more rigorous treatment at the Greater Greymouth wastewater treatment plant before it is discharged.

Retirement houses got new switchboards, replacement windows and accessible showers.

Total expenditure was $47.8 million, which was $4 million less than the budget of $51.8 million. Savings were in a variety of areas. Staff numbers rose from 95 to 106, which contributed to savings of about $1 million on consultant and contractor costs.

Personnel costs were $628,000 below budget due to new positions and some vacancies not being filled during the year.

Council's debt rose to $47.4 million, up from $38 million in 2024/25.

“We use debt to fund projects with long-term benefits, such as sewerage schemes, the library and water supplies, so the cost is shared over time by those who benefit from them,” Ms Ruddle said.

The full Annual Report will shortly be available at https://www.greydc.govt.nz/04your-council/b-agenda...