Rate change unlikely

Press, 8 September 1982, Page 16

Rate change unlikely

. The Waimairi District Council should not change its capital value rating system at present, a meeting of the council's finance and by-laws committee recommended on Monday. It further agreed, however, that the new Rating Bill should be looked at when it comes out, and the matter discussed again then. The County Clerk. Mr J. Reid, said the capital value system was considered the most suitable for the district

Building activity each year created an annual increase in capital value for ratingpurposes. The introduction of a citizens tax was unlikely, especially during the National Party's term of office, Mr Reid said.

In an earlier submission to the council. Cr W. T. Rice had suggested Government legislation "to drop the entire rating system in the wastepaper basket." He wants it replaced by an allocation to local government of P.A.Y.E. and income tax from the Consolidated Account. Membership A move to leave the Counties Association and join the Municipal Association should be looked at by staff, the committee agreed. They will report to the next committee meeting. The council chairman, Mr D. B. Rich said such a

decision should be made before the end of the financial year. He had reservations about whether the council should belong to both bodies. ■ Cr Rich said councillors attending the counties' conference had found it difficult to find an affinity between the council and the Counties Association. Earlier this year Waimairi changed its status from a county council to a district council. Postal vote The 1983 council election Should be by postal vote, the committee recommended. The cost will be about $48,000.