BOROUGH ESTIMATES

Waipa Post, Volume 32, Issue 1779, 6 July 1926, Page 5

BOROUGH ESTIMATES

FINANCE COMMITTEE’S RECOM-

IMENDATION

Cr C. G. Downes, chairman of the Finance Committee, presented to last evening’s meeting of the Borough Council the outcome of the committee’s deliberations at a special meeting last week. He said the estimates had been carefully prepared, following on a decision not to increase the general rates for the coming year. Cr Downes went into .detail over several points, and said the rates would he consolidated from the twelve separate ones hitherto struck into one general rate of threepence and 76/240ths. This course it was felt would be more efficient and certainly less costly for clerical purposes. The course sugfgested had the approval of the Audit Office. The Mayor is at present in Wellington investigating the prospect of obtaining loan money to enable the streets improvement scheme to be, with.

The Deputy Mayor said the Mayor had, before leaving for Wellington, written to him stressing his view that rates should not be increased.

Cr McGechie said 'he was quite in accord with that view, and he had pleasure in moving that the rate for the current year he as stated. It was a rather difficult outlook for the Works Committee to carry through during .the year, but it was anticipated there would, as a result of the permanent roading work already done, he a considerable saving in maintenance, thus leaving maintenance money available for other streets.

Cr Montefiore said it was a very gracious act of the engineer to ask for •leave of absence without pay until such time as the financial position improves. But the engineer had been engaged to carry out the streets improvement scheme.

Cr Downes said the recommendation of the Finance Committee was not binding on the Council until confirmed. If the Council thought' it desirable that the rates should be increased it could do so. Or McGechie said the Finance Comrnittee had been quite unanimous as to the amount of rate to be struck. He then gave formal notice of motion in •this direction.