Promotion levy raised 43 p.c.

Press, 15 April 1980, Page 6

Promotion levy raised 43 p.c.

The Christchurch City Council may pay the Canterbury Promotion Council $34,260 this year, a rise from 14c to 20c per head of population. The rise has been recommended by the policy and finance committee.

Not all Canterbury local bodies last year paid the full amount, and some paid nothing. In metropolitan Christchurch, the Heathcote County Council declined to pay a share of the new Promotion Council’s costs.

But this year, such remote local authorities as the Oxford and Ellesmere county councils had already agreed to pay the new grant amount said Cr W. J. A. Brittenden. “Our very existence, as well as our having the essential resources with which to carry out our function, are at stake,” said a Promotion Council, statement. Cr Brittenden said the grant was “peanuts” compared with what other New Zealand centres paid to support their public relations offices.

He said there was “nothing extravagant in the slightest” in the Promotion Council’s budget. Last year, the City Council gave $26,000 to the organisation.

Councillors also recommended a $5BO rise in their etxra payment to the Canterbury Museum Trust Board to help it cover an expected deficit. Under the proposal, the City Council would pay $17,240 this year as an extra grant. With that amount subtracted from general grants made last year, the policy and finance committee would budget for $75,740 in grants. Because of an expected big rise in income, mainly because all investment interest now comes under the committee, it would need less from rates this year. Under special projects, the committee listed $35,000 to complete the Brighton Mall Fountain and $BOOO to remodel and repair the Stewart Fountain in the city centre. Another $30,000 to restore the Peacock Fountain was deleted. It has been suggested that the Ferrymead Historic Park may want it.