Ashburton’s ‘realistic' annual plan budget adopted
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The adoption of one of the Ashburton District’s biggest rate increases in over a decade is a “realistic budget”.
The near 10% average rates increase was approved by the Ashburton District Council on Wednesday when it adopted its 2022-23 annual plan.
“We have done a very realistic budget,” councillor John Falloon said.
“It will be interesting to see where other territorial authorities are in 15 months’ time when they report on their actual results to the end of June 2023 and where we will be because I don’t think we will have to dip into reserves or anything like that to get through because we have done a realistic budget.”
Mayor Neil Brown highlighted that the external pressures from inflation, Covid-19, and supply chain issues were “not our friend in this year’s budget”.
“It is going to be an interesting year ahead," Brown said. “This is our best estimate and I think it is a pretty accurate estimate.
“We will be doing everything we can to stick to it and deliver the work programme.”
Deputy mayor Liz McMillan said the council had left no stone unturned during the process.
“The 9.4% seems very high but we have put the work in. We have looked at everything,” she said.
Behind the 9.4% average rise is inflation factored in at 5%, flood recovery, new drinking water regulation compliance and the completion of the new library and civic centre.
Any projects carried over from the 2021-22 financial year will go before the council in a report for deliberation over the future of those projects.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.7% Yes
-
13.9% No
-
1.4% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
