Councillors consider 13.72% rate rise

Grey district councillors are expected to sign off on a rates increase of 13.72% at a meeting this afternoon (Monday).

The proposed rise of over 13% is in the draft Long Term Plan, which drew 166 submissions. The plan focusses on core services.

After hearing submissions, councillors made just one change, in support of the Regent Theatre.

The West Coast Theatre Trust, which runs the theatre, will see its operational grant increased from $38,000 to $50,000, to ensure the theatre’s continued operation.

Council also takes over the theatre’s existing $656,000 loan on behalf of the trust, but the trust retains ownership of the building.

These changes helped nudge the rate rise from a proposed $13.69% to 13.72%.

The plan going forward is a focus on core services. We are planning to start a catch up on a $66 million backlog of work, from water to roading. This includes, in the coming nine years, $19.8 million to reduce flooding in low lying parts of central Greymouth, including new, larger pipes, and replacing older stormwater pipes district-wide.

Wastewater gets a $12.7 million budget which includes closing the Karoro/South Beach/Paroa sewerage plant, and piping that wastewater into town. Moana also gets a plant upgrade.

Drinking water gets $25.5 million which includes improvements to the Greater Greymouth water treatment plant, and new reservoirs in Puketahi Street and Cobden.

Rates invoices will be in the post in mid to late July.