Drainage Levy Criticised

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32031, 4 July 1969, Page 1

Drainage Levy Criticised

The increase in Drainage Board rates was sharply criticised by members of the Heathcote County Council when they were considering their estimates last night.

The public had been led to believe that the board’s levy had increased by 12 per cent, but the levy on the Heathcote County was a long way above that, said Cr J. M. McKenzie.

The County Clerk (Mr K. D. Stills) said that the 12 per cent was presumably an average over the whole of the board’s area. He had rung the board, and the 31.13 per cent increase in .the rate for land drainage was the true figure for Heathcote. “This is most disconcerting,” said the chairman (Mr J. S. Scott). “We have gone to great trouble ourselves to keep our own rates down.”

Cr McKenzie: We should make it abundantly clear to our ratepayers that our rates are not moving. It’s the people we have to collect for who are charging more. No doubt the Drainage Board will continue to fog the people with evasive words. Cr R.'H. T. Thompson: It’s a bit difficult to fog 31.13 per cent

Cr McKenzie: It has got a bit of a smell about it hasn’t

Cr J. Somers: We don’t seem tq be getting any more for all this increase. Perhaps now we can hope for better service?

Cr McKenzie: I hope you don’t hold your breath till you get it.

When the time came to approve the passing of the Drainage Board rate there was a long pause. Cr W. B. Laing: No-one is rushing to move this one. Cr McKenzie: What would happen if we didn’t? Mr Stills: The Drainage Board has power under the statutes to order it. Cr McKenzie: I’m not so sure we still should not refuse. It would bring the whole matter to the attention of the public. “Careful, Cr McKenzie,” said a councillor. “They’re cut your water off.”