Mayor of Mackenzie
Rates and revenue
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.
Rates and revenue
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.
Cap average rates at less than 5% of median income, ensure fees and charges are fair and reasonable and reduce unnecessary council spending.
Lobby for a larger percentage of government tourist tax and ensure tourism businesses and developments contribute to tourist infrastructure.
Lobby government on chronic underfunding of councils and unfunded government mandates and lobby for GST exemption so rates are not taxed.
Audit council spending annually and publish easy-to-read reports for all residents.
Cap annual rates increases to inflation unless ratepayers approve higher through a public vote.
Reduce non-essential spending and prioritise core services to limit debt and ease pressure on ratepayers.
Cap average rates at less than 5% of median income, ensure fees and charges are fair and reasonable and reduce unnecessary council spending.
Lobby for a larger percentage of government tourist tax and ensure tourism businesses and developments contribute to tourist infrastructure.
Lobby government on chronic underfunding of councils and unfunded government mandates and lobby for GST exemption so rates are not taxed.
Audit council spending annually and publish easy-to-read reports for all residents.
Cap annual rates increases to inflation unless ratepayers approve higher through a public vote.
Reduce non-essential spending and prioritise core services to limit debt and ease pressure on ratepayers.
Mayor
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