Carterton District Council

Address structural challenges such as long-term underinvestment and look at alternative revenue sources and central government partnerships.

Collaborate to save by exploring shared service agreements with neighbouring councils to reduce delivery costs and achieve economies of scale.

Focus on doing the basics first by prioritising core services such as water, roads, waste and infrastructure before spending on non-core projects.

Ensure rates are aligned with sustainable growth and infrastructure needs, supporting the long-term wellbeing of all Carterton residents.

Ensure the council completes a comprehensive ratings review to guarantee a fair and equitable distribution of rates across the district.

Explore diverse revenue sources to reduce reliance on rates given the small ratings base while maintaining essential council services.

Avoid adding to council debt and purposely reduce the debt that the council has to service.

Keep rates rises equal to or less than the published rate of inflation.

Require all future council investments to have verified cost benefit analysis before approval.

Control council debt through prudent borrowing and smart investment, ensuring long-term financial stability for Carterton.

Manage rates and finances responsibly to fund services, invest in priorities and keep costs fair for Carterton residents.

Set fees and charges fairly to cover essential costs without placing unnecessary burdens on residents and businesses.

Conduct a review of rating policy to ensure the burden is spread fairly.

Ensure restricted council reserves are spent for allowable purposes to benefit the district without impacting rates.

Promote additional sources of revenue such as the sale of water from Waingawa storage and manufacture of compost from sewage sludge.