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Friday 28 March 2008

Council releases draft Annual Plan 2008/09

Clutha District Council has released its draft Annual Plan 2008/09 outlining the proposed rating structure along with major projects, activities and levels of service planned for the coming financial year.

The draft plan focuses on year three of the current Long Term Plan and contains no major changes to established priorities. It proposes operating expenditure of $30.7 million (including depreciation of $12.4 million) and capital expenditure of $17.9 million with total rates revenue of $18.4 million.

Chief Executive Charles Hakkaart said the plan projected an overall rates increase of 5.13% from 2007/08 to 2008/09, which includes an allowance of 3% for inflation.

All the major projects planned for the next year are outlined in the draft Annual Plan. They include:

• Continued construction of new footpaths and footpath renewals as identified through last year’s public consultation process;
• The introduction of fluoride into Milton and Kaitangata water supplies, and possibly Tapanui, depending on Ministry of Health funding approvals;
• The exploration of waste minimisation and recycling opportunities which will be included in the Long Term Plan for detailed consultation;
• Consultation and completion of Council’s new Long Term Plan for 2009-19. This process will prioritise a few key subjects for consideration in the plan including a review of Council’s current rating system, water quality and waste management.

“Now is the time for the public to have its say on whether we have the levels of service and priorities right for the coming year,” Mr Hakkaart said.

Copies of the draft Annual Plan – including submission forms – are available from the Council main office, Council service centres, the Balclutha Library and at various community stores throughout the district. A copy is also available on the Council website by clicking here or copies are available by contacting Council on 0800 801 350.

Submissions to the draft Annual Plan close on Friday 2 May. Council will then hear verbal submissions to the draft plan on Thursday 22 May, before meeting to consider all submissions and debate changes on Thursday 5 June. Council will then adopt the final Annual Plan and strike the rates for the 2008/09 year on Thursday 19 June.