Mayor of Tararua
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.
Allow more competition for council contracts where possible to ensure ratepayers get better value for money.
Review all accounts from the last few years and compare private sector costs versus public sector costs paid.
Review costs such as vehicle, fuel and personal expenses to ensure the system is not being taken advantage of.
Strengthen financial management by ensuring every dollar is spent wisely, reducing waste and making council finances accountable.
Manage rates responsibly by making careful spending decisions to balance community needs while keeping rates as fair as possible.
Monitor council performance by tracking outcomes, measuring effectiveness and ensuring council delivers on its plans and promises.
Continue examining who uses services, who pays and who benefits as costs rise for residents by asking if the balance is right.
Ensure strong financial management on costs while finding solutions to the cost of living crisis with improved financial communication with residents.
Evaluate if the rating model is still fit for purpose or if land value, capital value, or a hybrid approach should be used.
Encourage all those who qualify for rates rebates to apply for them.
Improve monitoring of council projects and investments to ensure they stay on target and deliver as intended.
Study expenditure to identify cost savings for council and thereby ratepayers.
Allow more competition for council contracts where possible to ensure ratepayers get better value for money.
Review all accounts from the last few years and compare private sector costs versus public sector costs paid.
Review costs such as vehicle, fuel and personal expenses to ensure the system is not being taken advantage of.
Strengthen financial management by ensuring every dollar is spent wisely, reducing waste and making council finances accountable.
Manage rates responsibly by making careful spending decisions to balance community needs while keeping rates as fair as possible.
Monitor council performance by tracking outcomes, measuring effectiveness and ensuring council delivers on its plans and promises.
Continue examining who uses services, who pays and who benefits as costs rise for residents by asking if the balance is right.
Ensure strong financial management on costs while finding solutions to the cost of living crisis with improved financial communication with residents.
Evaluate if the rating model is still fit for purpose or if land value, capital value, or a hybrid approach should be used.
Encourage all those who qualify for rates rebates to apply for them.
Improve monitoring of council projects and investments to ensure they stay on target and deliver as intended.
Study expenditure to identify cost savings for council and thereby ratepayers.
Mayor
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