Indicative overall rates increase of 20.54% announced

Clutha District Councillors this week agreed to an indicative overall rates increase of 20.54% district wide for 2026/27 after two days of draft Annual Plan Decision meetings.

This increase breaches the council’s self-imposed 20% rates cap that was set three years ago in 2024-34 Long Term Plan.

Toward the end of the decision-making process Councillors then reviewed previous funding decisions and as a result the Milton Pool will not be operated by council for the coming season.

Mayor Jason (Jock) Martin says during the two days of annual plan decision meetings councillors voiced their opinions and asked the “why”.

“We asked tough questions to find ways to reduce costs. It was encouraging that everyone had a voice, expressing their thoughts as we tried hard to find solutions, which I had not experienced as a first-term councillor.”

“The negative is we couldn’t beat our self-imposed rates cap,” Mayor Martin says.

“Councillors and I appreciate that living costs and fuel costs are tough on all households right now, and the rates increase is far from ideal and not the news people want to hear.”

“It wasn’t an easy two-days of deliberation, but we are confident we have reached a sensible outcome for our ratepayers moving forward. We also appreciate the ongoing support and input that came in from the community during the consultation process.”

This week council also approved community funding grants.

“As much as council would have loved to support all the community funding submission initiatives, that was not possible. We need to face facts and consider these submissions moving forward in our Long-Term planning.”

“We simply don’t have the financial ability to meet everyone’s needs but we do work hard collectively to ensure that our communities needs are front of mind in our funding decisions,” he says.

A total of $508,778 was approved in community funding grants. This was 47% of the overall community funding value that was requested of $1.091m.

This funding went to the following:

Clutha District Combined Museums Group, $49,849.

Clutha Development Incorporated, $150,000.

Te Pou O Mata-Au Charitable Trust, $80,000.

Kaka Point Playground Working Group, $71,979.

Clutha Recreation Centre Incorporated, $50,832.

Owaka Swimming Baths, $19,766.

Tuapeka Aquatic Centre, $26,591.

Clutha Valley Rural Neighbourhood Support $11,365.

Heriot Domain Board, $7,630.

Heriot and Districts Community Centre, $5,000.

South Otago Athletics Club, $4,795.

South Otago Motorcycle Club, $4,000.

Kaitangata Community Centre, $3,000.

Balclutha Community Garden, $2,998.

Papatowai and Districts Community Association, $2,000.

Toko Mouth Crib Owners Association, $1,875.

Catlins Coast Inc, $1,018.

Crookston Cemetery Trust, $1,000.

West Otago Community Centre, $15,080.

Councillors approved an additional $500,000 for non-routine water maintenance as this was required to meet expected operational costs.

Council also approved the Proposed Fees and Charges for 2026/27.