FIXING OF RATES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29508, 9 May 1961, Page 10

FIXING OF RATES

No Decrease Likely

“Throughout the country, the greatest problem of local bodies, large and small, is to meet rising costs and not increase rates to meet them. Something will have to be done by the Government to provide additional means of income for local bodies if they are to keep rates stable.’’ said the chairman of the Christchurch City Council’s finance committee (Cr H. P. Smith) yesterday.

Cr. Smith said that although it was early to assess whether rates would be higher, it was fairly certain there would be no relief for council ratepayers this year. Estimates for the year would probably be ready for submission to the full council at a special meeting in June. Although there seemed no hope of a reduction in rates, the committee was exploring all avenues in an endeavour to avoid any increase, said Cr. Smith. "A special committee has been appointed by the council to investigate ways and means of making economies, and it will be endeavouring to find means of saving which will offset the increased cost of wages and salaries.” Several months ago the council had taken steps to keep its promise to bring its salary and wage rates into line with the new scale of the Public Service, and the cost of these increases was about £40.000 a year, said Cr. Smith. Salaries and wages, excluding the Municipal Electricitv Department, amounted to about £BOO,OOO a year and this took a substantial oart of the council's revenue from rates, licences, etc., of £1.156.000 “It can be seen there is no problem-of mo-e importance and concern than to meet the rising costs and provide services for the growing community and still keep rates stable,” said Cr Smith.