After spending a day deliberating, Waikato District councillors set their ten-year strategy and budget with a 6 to 7% average rise in the CV rates. As capital values increased by 42% in the Raglan Town valuation area compared to a 15% rise in values overall, the 6 to 7% Waikato rate rise equals 16.8 to 19.6% rate rise for Raglan Town. The rate was agreed after the councillors looked at 605 submissions and listened to three days of hearings with residents who opted to speak on their submissions.
A WDC spokesperson said a range had been communicated because the final rate is not known until the Councillors adopt the Long Term Plan on 28 June.
rate increases was a hard one.
Waikato Mayor Allan Sanson said, “The decision around rate increases was a hard one. Many submissions opposed the proposed rate increases. We know that any rate increases are hard to bear, especially for those on fixed or low incomes. We acknowledge that this has been a particularly challenging LTP, balancing the needs of our growing and vibrant district with what people can afford today. I am confident we have reached the right balance between investing in our future growth and looking after our current needs. We are looking to reduce our proposed general rate increase from the proposed 9% in year 1. We are looking at 6-7% for the general rate increase in year 1 and a 9% increase to the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC).”
The Mayor added, “Despite having a smaller general rate increase than first proposed, we are still committed to the work programme we’ve outlined. In the end, a reduced roading subsidy from Waka Kotahi/NZTA has meant our local cost share has also been reduced.”