RATES TO RISE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32713, 15 May 1946, Page 4

RATES TO RISE

PAEROA BOROUGH ESTIMATE'S FOR THE YEAR HD. MORE FOR HOSPITAL LEVY At Thursday night’s meeting of the Paeroa Borough Council a report on the estimates for the year 1946-47 was considered when it was agreed to an increase of a Ifd. in the pound over the rate struck last year. The rates this year will be as follows:— General rate of 4d. in the £; hospital rate of 3d. in the £; Conversion Loan rate of 4|d. in the £ total Hid. in the £ with a consolidated loan rate of 5 13-16th. d. in the £ in that portion of the Ohinemuri County subject to a special loans rate. The report read as under:— “The position of the various rates suggested to be struck as compared with previous year is as follows:— General rate, no change; Hospital rate, lid. in £ increase; Conversion Loan rate, no change. The net result is that the total rates suggested to be struck will be Ifd. in the £ more than last year. However it should be noted that official hospital board estimates have not yet been received and until they come to hand the rate cannot be struck. It is to be hoped that some relief may yet be obtained. General Rate “By utilising a proportion of the substantial balance in the general account it should be possible to strike the same rate and maintain the account in a sound position. It should be noted that all normal expenditure has been provided for and in addition a sum of £B5O set aside for plant and £2OO for preparation of a town planning scheme. The vote for public works, including transfer to State highways is the same as last year. M lf the proposed hospital board levy is approved it will be necessary to increase the rate by lid. to provide for the £17160' estimated. This amount is a very heavy burden for a small borough and unless hospital rate® are stabilised as ! recommended by the Local Government ’Commission progress will be retarded. Conversion Loan Rate “The proposed rate of 4id. in the £ will cover the annual charges and as a result the sound position of this account can be maintained. “If the estimates are adopted in their present form the estimated payments will exceed the estimated receipts by £1293. The council’s financial position is such that this is considered to be quite a safe proposal.