Ellesmere rates to rise 19 per cent

Press, 26 May 1981, Page 6

Ellesmere rates to rise 19 per cent

A general rate increase of 19.44 per cent has been recommended to the Ellesmere County Council by its finance committee.

The general rate covers the whole of the county except for the Leeston and Southbridge townships which are rated separately by their respective community councils. Leeston’s general rate wilt increase 16.58 per cent and Southbridge ratepayers will face an increase of 14.98 per cent. The general rate for the county will be 0.43 c in the dollar, to raise $751,662. It will be confirmed by the council at its meeting in June.

A ratepayer on a residential section in Lincoln with a capital value of $33,500 and not on the subdivisiona) water supply can expect a rate bill of* $207, excluding the Catchment Board rate. This is an increase of $25, or 13.84 per cent, on last year. About $144 of this amount

represents the general rate. The drainage rate is $5, sewerage $4B, and refuse $lB, an increase of $3 on last year. About $7 can be discounted for early payment of rates. ‘ .

Properties on the water supply with a capital value of $33,500 will have an increased rate bill of $35, or 17.41 per cent. North Canterbury Catchment Board rates in the Lake Ellesmere drainage district have increased 100 per cent, and are up 40 per cent in the Selwyn River area.

Cr L. W. J. Woods said that the increased Catchment Board rates were of “some concern” to people, especially after a dry year. He said that the Catchment Board rates on top of the county’s own rates could be “more than some people can handle.”

Cr F. H. Eggleston said that the council was likely to be blamed for the Catchment

Board rate because it col- . lected the money. Salaries and associated superannuation payments are expected to cost the council about $BO,OOO more this financial year than last. The purchase and development of Rolleston Park will cost the council about $48,000. A total of $30,000 has been set aside to buy the reserve. The $lB,OOO for the development includes the establishment of three playing fields, the provision of changing sheds and toilets, a trickle irrigation system over a limited area, and a small amount of landscaping. The general rate in Leeston will be 0.429 c in the dollar on capital value, to raise $45,031.

The average dwelling in the with a capital value of $31,000, and connected to the water supply can expect a rate bill of $222 excluding Catchment Board rates. This is an increase of ,$3O or 16.18 per cent. The general rate represents $132 of the bill, sewerage $4B, refuse $lB, and water supply $3O. Average dwellings not on the water supply will be rated $12.24 per cent, or $2O, more than last year.

The general rate in Southbridge will be 0.353 per cent, to raise $20,465. The average dwelling in Southbridge, with a capital value of $30,500, and connected to the water supply can expect a rate bill of $156. excluding Catchment Board rates. This is an increase oi $26, or 20.25 per cent. The general ...rate represents $lO7 of the bill, water supply $3O, community centre $6. and refuse $lB Average dwellings not on the Water supply will be rated 14.81 per cent, or $l4 more than last year. .