The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.
The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.
We all know long term debt is a horrible thing. This needs to be well managed to avoid handing the next generation a nightmare.
The primary way to manage rates, fees and debt, is practical and efficient policies that are outcome driven.
No Wasteful Spending. Make sure that the ratepayer is getting good value for their contribution.
Ensure council has sufficient headroom within its borrowing limits to endure another significant natural disaster.
Support finding new ways for council to earn income as opposed to relying so heavily on rate payers
Support reviewing some charges and some services to reduce the burden on rate payers
Support council staff thinking outside of the box to find ways to save money in everything they do.
Maintain skill levels with staff to reduce the need for consultants as much as possible.
Make sure that development contributions meet the costs of infrastructure in new developments.
Work towards holding rates increases to at or below the Consumer Price Index whilst maintaining the council's AA rating from Standard and Poor's.
Maintain existing policies of development and financial contributions.
Oppose reduced development contributions to redress past injustices. This is a central government issue.
Maintain council debt at current % levels to provide headroom for a natural disaster such as AF8. Retain AA rating from Standard and Poor.
We all know long term debt is a horrible thing. This needs to be well managed to avoid handing the next generation a nightmare.
The primary way to manage rates, fees and debt, is practical and efficient policies that are outcome driven.
No Wasteful Spending. Make sure that the ratepayer is getting good value for their contribution.
Ensure council has sufficient headroom within its borrowing limits to endure another significant natural disaster.
Support finding new ways for council to earn income as opposed to relying so heavily on rate payers
Support reviewing some charges and some services to reduce the burden on rate payers
Support council staff thinking outside of the box to find ways to save money in everything they do.
Maintain skill levels with staff to reduce the need for consultants as much as possible.
Make sure that development contributions meet the costs of infrastructure in new developments.
Work towards holding rates increases to at or below the Consumer Price Index whilst maintaining the council's AA rating from Standard and Poor's.
Maintain existing policies of development and financial contributions.
Oppose reduced development contributions to redress past injustices. This is a central government issue.
Maintain council debt at current % levels to provide headroom for a natural disaster such as AF8. Retain AA rating from Standard and Poor.
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