Waimairi’s rate rise

Press, 25 May 1977, Page 6

Waimairi’s rate rise

An over-all rate levy increase of 17.2 per cent for Waimairi County ratepayers was recommended by the county’s finance committee last evening. On a riding basis the increases range from 15.6 per cent for Avonhead to 18.9! per cent for Belfast. The rates estimates include general expenses and the water rate, but not increases for the Transport. Christchurch Drainage and Catchment board levies, which affect ridings to different degrees. A major item of expenditure in the estimates for the new year recommended by the committee is $129,200 for' the county’s share of the metropolitan refuse scheme. An attempt by Cr P. J. Fisher to have the item deleted from the estimates was heavily defeated after considerable discussion. Cr Fisher said it added 5.4 per cent to the rates. He preferred that alternative forms

of finance be looked at, such as loans, money from current reserves, or funds from land sales. His sole supporter of his motion was Cr H. Tait. The finance committee chairman (Cr J. B. Russ) said that the council had to accept I the advice of the engineers that there was no alternative to the scheme, and that it was one of the costs of living in an urban area.

The committee also defeated a motion by Cr Tait that a grant of $27,500 to the Canterbury Orchestra be withheld until June. Another controversial move was the inclusion of $l6OO in the estimates for subscription to the Counties Association, from which the countv withdrew a year ago. But Cr Rich’s motion to delete the item was defeated. The provision for $l6OO is in case the council or a newly elected council after October decided to resume membership.