Waikato 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.
Review use of consultants. In addition to Waikato Regional Council's 640 plus staff, it spent $16.9 million on consultants in the past year.
Stop reckless spending, such as LGNZ membership. Oppose collection of rates for economic development. Stick to core business.
Support Rates Control Team. Formed the ratescontrolteam.co.nz to rein in reckless spending and keep any rates increases below CPI.
Give ratepayers a real say on big spending, using open and transparent processes so communities help guide major council decisions.
Investigate alternative funding models so ratepayers are not always left footing the bill for major council projects and services.
Use zero-based budgeting so every dollar spent by council is checked and justified, keeping rates fair and spending accountable.
Continue to ensure ratepayers are getting good value for their investment and that all expenditure is justified and transparent.
Ensure continuation of an independently chaired audit and risk committee that has appropriate oversight and governance of critical risks.
Utilise the investment fund wisely, maintaining an intergenerational approach and ensuring returns are applied to benefit the region.
Focus on core activity including drainage, flood protection, water management and waste management.
Increase the cost recovery of public good operations.
Limit rates increases to a maximum of the rate of inflation.
Review use of consultants. In addition to Waikato Regional Council's 640 plus staff, it spent $16.9 million on consultants in the past year.
Stop reckless spending, such as LGNZ membership. Oppose collection of rates for economic development. Stick to core business.
Support Rates Control Team. Formed the ratescontrolteam.co.nz to rein in reckless spending and keep any rates increases below CPI.
Give ratepayers a real say on big spending, using open and transparent processes so communities help guide major council decisions.
Investigate alternative funding models so ratepayers are not always left footing the bill for major council projects and services.
Use zero-based budgeting so every dollar spent by council is checked and justified, keeping rates fair and spending accountable.
Continue to ensure ratepayers are getting good value for their investment and that all expenditure is justified and transparent.
Ensure continuation of an independently chaired audit and risk committee that has appropriate oversight and governance of critical risks.
Utilise the investment fund wisely, maintaining an intergenerational approach and ensuring returns are applied to benefit the region.
Focus on core activity including drainage, flood protection, water management and waste management.
Increase the cost recovery of public good operations.
Limit rates increases to a maximum of the rate of inflation.
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