Invercargill City Council

Look for future opportunities to fund projects through a mixed funding model and lobby government to return funds for this.

Make every dollar count, spend within means and keep rates affordable by making trade-offs and pushing projects out.

Prioritise core infrastructure needs for the city before vanity projects and implement no new project spending for the next three years.

Borrow for long-term infrastructure as debt needs to be matched to its purpose so current ratepayers do not bear the full burden.

Do not invest in assets such as the Wacher Place clock as such assets are a poor use of ratepayers' money.

Keep rate rises to a minimum with a focus on ensuring ratepayers get the best value for money.

Keep rates and fees fair, transparent and affordable while ensuring core services are properly funded.

Manage debt responsibly, control spending and focus funds on essentials that deliver real value for residents.

Use council investments wisely to support community projects, build resilience and reduce pressure on ratepayers.

Ensure rates increase only at the CPI, focusing on essential infrastructure.

Maintain low council debt through wise investment and public and private partnership.

Inflation adjust fees for council services other than rates only.

Keep rates rises to a minimum while including the cost of water services.

Continue financial prudence, with councillors realising that if they propose spending cuts, they need to identify the resulting service cuts.

Manage council debt levels responsibly.

Only agree to rates capping proposals by government if they contribute to operating expenses like in Australia and pay rates on their properties.

Work with the team to review council operations and reduce costs through efficiency without cutting core services.

Seek regional or public-private partnerships and external funding before increasing rates or debt, as it is not sustainable to continue burdening the ratepayer.

Focus spending on essential services to keep rates affordable and ensure all critical infrastructure is a priority.

Introduce a system like the Bluff boat ramp with a user pays system.

Stop any large rates increases in rates as the present council has that in control.

Stop more debt and borrowing unless it becomes unavailable.

Consider further user pays changes to services that not all residents use.

Ensure rates are affordable for ratepayers, cut waste and focus spending on what is essential for the time being.

Find other ways of raising revenue aside from rates increases, such as increasing the number of ratepayers with more houses.

Build a good education program relating to rates issues.

Focus on greater communication and consultation with the community on rates issues.

Support anyone in need of support regarding rates issues.