Malvern rates to rise 21.21 per cent

Press, 10 May 1982, Page 4

Malvern rates to rise 21.21 per cent

Ratepayers in the Malvern County can expect a rate increase of 21.21 per cent this year. Malvern county councillors spent 2Vz hours discussing the 1982-83 estimates at a special council meeting. Their resolutions will go to an ordinary council meeting on Friday for confirmation. This year’s general county rate will bring in about $900,000 for the general administration fund. Councillors also agreed that the general rate for the Darfield community should be increased by 13.2 per cent. The summer drought is held responsible for an increase of 53.1 per cent in the Hororata-Snowdon water race charges. Councillors agreed they should go up from $2.84 to $4.35 a hectare

for properties over 15ha. Properties under 15ha will be charged $57. The Arthur’s Pass water supply charge was increased from $45 to $54, a rise of 20 per cent. The ordinary charge for the Darfield water supply went from $6O to $6B; the Kirwee supply from $l5O to $172; and the Malvern water race charge from $3.02 to $4.07 a hectare for properties over 12ha, and a $5O charge for properties under 12ha. The Hororata housing water-supply charge went from $4O to $5O per house. -ri To show ihow the rises would affect ratepayers, the treasurer, Mr W. G. Brixton, said a Darfield property rated at $253 last year would be charged out at $285.83 this year, an increase of 13 per cent.

The meeting also agreed that the $l4 refuse collection charge should remain for all houses and businesses in Kirwee, Sheffield, Waddington, Springfield, Coalgate, Glentunnel, and Hororata. There will be 5 per cent discount on rates paid in full on or before July 31, 1982. Rates may be paid in three instalments due on August 16, November 16, and March 16 next year. A 10 per cent penalty will be imposed on instalments not paid by the due date. . ’’ ? ‘ Mr Brixton told the meeting that there had been a. general improvement in total funds held by the council; it had gone from deficit to a credit balance. The highest increases in charges were for water races and water supplies.