Late burp in forecasted rates

BY KRIS DANDO

Porirua residents can expect a higher-than forecast rates rise of about 5.7 per cent when the city council releases its draft Annual Plan next week.

Councillors had a brief meeting last Wednesday to finalise the budget for 2010-11, with much of the work having been done previously in workshops.

Changes that have arisen from council's long-term plan include an additional $35,000 for Porirua's emergency operations centre, another $50,000 for minor road safety works, $50,000 to protect "notable and significant trees", and $300,000 for new software. Large amounts also have been brought forward for roading and landscaping in Takapuwahia ($492,000), renewal of pipelines in Plimmerton ($200,000) and for work on the waste water treatment plant ($700,000).

Other programmes for 2010-11 include $516,500 for the Performing Arts Centre, borrowing up to $2 million for property purchases, village development and Waitangirua Mall advancement, District Plan review work, finalising the Porirua Harbour and Catchment Management Strategy  along with the usual costs for updating the city's infrastructure.

PCC chief executive Roger Blakeley also pointed out the average rates rise of 5.7 per cent for residents had increased from the long-term plan forecast (5.3 per cent). He said the recent Services and Costs Review was a valuable exercise, identifying where the increased costs came from.

For those who own a house worth $150,000, rates will rise from about $1314 to $1389 a year. For those in houses worth $350,000, it will go from about $1873 to $1980 a year, and for those with a $1 million home, expect rates to increase from almost $3691 to $3901.

A $450,000 rural property might see rates jump from $1262 to $1334, while a $750,000 home is likely go from $1850 to $1955 in rates payments.

All these figures exclude Greater Wellington regional council rates.

- Kapi-Mana News