Otago Regional Council
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.
Reduce rates; details available at visionotago.nz.
Emphasise that the Otago Regional Council has no real debt. It owns 100% of the port which returns a $15 million annual dividend, supporting reducing rates as a priority.
Review council charges in light of ORC being a no-debt, cash-flush organisation with external income streams.
Advocate increasing the threshold of rates rebates from $39,890 to over $50,000 to assist more homeowners in times of financial hardship.
Continually re-assess financial position and opportunities for pragmatic savings or fund reallocation around changing legislation.
Ensure ORC is in front of central government for any funding and investment opportunities.
Drive effective and efficient outcomes through a financial policy.
Ensure rates are fit for purpose by improving the understanding of the relationship between rate setting and the council's work.
Set reasonable and justifiable fees for consents and services.
Reduce rates; details available at visionotago.nz.
Emphasise that the Otago Regional Council has no real debt. It owns 100% of the port which returns a $15 million annual dividend, supporting reducing rates as a priority.
Review council charges in light of ORC being a no-debt, cash-flush organisation with external income streams.
Advocate increasing the threshold of rates rebates from $39,890 to over $50,000 to assist more homeowners in times of financial hardship.
Continually re-assess financial position and opportunities for pragmatic savings or fund reallocation around changing legislation.
Ensure ORC is in front of central government for any funding and investment opportunities.
Drive effective and efficient outcomes through a financial policy.
Ensure rates are fit for purpose by improving the understanding of the relationship between rate setting and the council's work.
Set reasonable and justifiable fees for consents and services.
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