Annual Plan balances progress with financial prudence for Western Bay

Key community facilities will get an upgrade thanks to Western Bay’s Annual Plan.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s adopted plan, which confirms an average rate increase of 7.04 percent, aims to strike a balance between taking a prudent approach in this tough economic climate and investing in the important things to help improve community well-being.

The Annual Plan is when we set out in detail the mahi we are planning to undertake in your community over the next 12 months (1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024), and the dollars required to achieve this.

It’s also our chance to assess what changes are needed to reflect current circumstances and community needs.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council Mayor, James Denyer, says with more than 300 people sharing their views during March and April earlier this year he’s confident the plan is better for it as a result.

“We heard loud and clear that people want us to deliver key projects to keep our communities moving forward, and at the same time to be thoughtful about rates rises – and so that’s what we’re doing,” says Mayor James.

“As a Council we’ve taken these views, plus this year’s weather events, including the Waihī Beach flooding, and the current difficult economic climate, into account when striking an average rate increase of 7.04 percent.”

Projects get the green light

Key projects to go ahead in the 2023/24 year include:

• The prioritisation of stormwater projects as part of Council’s capital programme in light of recent weather events
• $1.9 million to install a roof, bulkhead and liner at Katikati’s Dave Hume Pool
• The loan funding of $300,000 towards repairs for the Te Puke War Memorial Hall
• Re-starting the concept planning for the Katikati Beach Road Boat Ramp, and
• $434,920 for the design through to building consent of a new Waihī Beach Library and Community Hub.

The approach to rates was a key aspect of the Annual Plan that people had a lot to say about. Reflecting community feedback, the rates will increase by 7.04 per cent, down from the 7.41 that was initially proposed earlier this year.

The savings come from reducing some project funding and using $1.6m of the General Rate Reserve. This reserve is an accumulation from surpluses arising from underspends in previous years.

Mayor James says this wasn’t a decision we made lightly.

“While we can never hope to please everyone, we do try to do our best for our community now and for the long-term. We know this rate increase may place further financial pressure on some households.”

Every three years Council must undertake property revaluations to gain an up-to-date appraisal of property values across the District. The valuation process has recently been completed and is audited by the Valuer-General.

“The implication of an updated valuation is often misunderstood, so I want to stress that an increase in your property value may not mean you pay more in rates. Any rates increase is determined by your property value increase compared with the average increase across the Western Bay of Plenty District,” explains Mayor James.

Rates invoices will be sent out on 15 September, with the first payment instalment due on 10 October.

For more information on rates rebate and postponement options head to our rates page.