Media Release: Waikato District Council, 10 November 2014
Annual Report Adopted
Highlights of the report include:
- Higher than expected returns from Council Controlled Organisation (CCO), Strada Corporation Limited
- Net debt at $37.5M, well below budget due largely to yet to be completed capital projects
- $2M less operational expenditure than budgeted with savings in personnel, recruitment, depreciation and interest expenses
- A summary of the key projects and performance outcomes for each major activity of Council.
The final Annual report and summary document showing key performance (both financial and non-financial) for the year is available online from today on www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz . Those wishing to see a printed copy of the summary may do so at Waikato District Council Offices and Libraries from mid November.
Background
Mayor Allan Sanson said results presented in the Annual Report embodied Council’s focus on efficiency, accountability, engagement, collaboration and economic development. Major personnel and process reviews designed to provide a broader, more integrated approach had been carried out and were on track to improving the way services are delivered, he said.
More generally ratepayers across the Waikato region would benefit from cost reductions and a more seamless approach from collaboration with neighbouring councils. This included aligning policies and bylaws where that was possible. A joint roading centre of excellence developed to achieve better results at a lower cost was a key milestone.
Better connection and consultation with communities on the things that matter to them had been strengthened with Council’s adoption of a Community Engagement Strategy. “We want to hear from our communities to identify and plan well for the challenges, opportunities and direction they will face over the next 30 years.”
“Economic development is a key focus for us and we are driving it hard. We are experiencing considerable growth in some areas,” Mayor Sanson said. “We are working really hard to be a partner and to actively work alongside businesses and investors to do what we can to help because we want all parts of our district to be able to make the most of their potential.”
Yet to be completed projects, combined with a policy of not carrying out infrastructure work until there is a demand, had however seen budgets carried forward in some areas. Contractor availability, delayed access to land and poor weather had all contributed to roading and other works being rescheduled for completion in the new financial year.
According to Mayor Sanson, the groundwork put in and direction set by Council and Executive Management placed Waikato District in a strong position for developing a new Long Term Plan to cover the next 10 years.