Work to reduce rate

WORK TO REDUCE RATE RISE

Grey District councillors will consider not consulting on the Annual Plan this year, as there are no significant changes to what has been forecast.

We are indicating a total rates revenue increase of 8.68%, down from 10.09% forecast in the Long Term Plan, which was submitted on and approved last year.

Staff have gone through the budgets line by line to make savings, and will repay new debt over a longer period, which reduces rates.

“We understand the community’s priorities – focusing on core infrastructure and keeping rates affordable. We will continue this approach,” Chief Executive Joanne Soderlund said.

Councils are not required to consult on the Annual Plan if there are no significant differences.

The 2026/2027 Annual Plan does not change the services Council provides, as set out in year two of the Long Term Plan.

The plan focuses on keeping essential services running while keeping costs affordable for ratepayers.

Electricity costs have increased, but not by as much as anticipated, and we have allowed for an increase in fuel costs.

We have managed to reduce forecast library operating costs by 17% due to better information about operating costs ahead of the opening.