Source: Radio New Zealand
Dom Thomas
The Otago Regional Council is aiming to deliver an overall zero percent rates rise in the upcoming financial year.
The council has been preparing a draft annual plan which will be put up for adoption in April.
The Long Term Plan forecasted a close to nine percent increase for the same year.
Chairperson Hilary Calvert said councillors sought to keep rates as low as possible while protecting the environment and providing public transport.
“We’re confident we can deliver for Otago’s people and environment within the zero-budget increase proposed,” she said.
“Factors helping to reduce rates include cost savings and efficiencies in work programmes, extended timeframes for some work and finding alternative revenue sources.”
A directive from the government to pause planning work meant that the council would spend less than expected this financial year and would use some of the surplus to pay for work next financial year.
The average residential property in Dunedin, Clutha, Waitaki and Central Otago would see a slight rates drop, but Queenstown Lakes properties would see an increase due to a public transport rate, Calvert said.
Councillors have opted not to consult the community on this annual plan, saying no significant changes had been made to what was consulted on in the 2026/2027 year of the Long Term Plan.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
