2026/27 Annual Plan is formally adopted

The Clutha District Council formally adopted the 2026/27 Annual Plan along with Fees and Charges today.

The Annual Plan highlights notable variations from the 2024/34 Long Term Plan, which sets out the broader framework for the district’s operations over 10 years.

Adopting the Annual Plan cements the decision to implement an overall rates increase of 20.54% district-wide for 2026/27.

The intention to increase the district-wide rate was signalled in May after two-days of Annual Plan Decisions meetings.

Mayor Jason (Jock) Martin says councillors diligently sought every solution to trim costs.

“We reviewed our project lists and operational expenditure prioritising essential works. Both councillors and I are acutely aware that rising living costs are placing significant pressure on household budgets across our communities, and we do not take the impact of our decisions lightly,” Mayor Martin says.

We worked hard to create a fiscally prudent Annual Plan that balances the immediate needs of our infrastructure with the financial realities facing our residents, he says.

Council also sought and responded to feedback from residents and ratepayers on key issues including:

• Approved funding of $2.5m for the integrated Tapanui Library/Service Centre and West Otago Community Centre.
• Restarting voluntary targeted rates (VTR) for the ratepayers who want to fund additional services that benefit them directly to access home energy improvements, infrastructure and urgent health and safety.
• Introducing availability charging for rural water schemes (RWS) but decided not to introduce any assistance capping.
• Not opening the Milton Centennial Pool for the 2026/27 season, which will result in an estimated saving of $115,000.

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.

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