Ō Reiti - Your rates

So what does this mean for your rates?

In setting the Long-term Plan (LTP) Council agreed that there needs to be certainty to ratepayers regarding their rates. The 10-year increases were set at rates that match the increases to Council’s cost base. Changes to this within the first five years of the plan are driven by a commitment to the aspirations of Vision 2030 and to delivering the services identified in the LTP.

An average rates increase of 4.9% is proposed for the 2019/20 year. This is lower than the 5.1% rise indicated in our LTP and is the result of a targeted approach to identifying opportunities for additional revenue alongside efficiency savings.

However, it is worth noting that the increases will affect various properties differently, as some of the key changes are in targeted rates. Hence, if a property does or doesn't receive the following targeted services then the rates will will be affected accordingly. To see what your rate could be in 2019/20.

Sewage disposal – new targeted rate - Rotoma residents

From 1 July 2019 properties in the Rotoma area will be connected to the new East Rotoiti/Rotoma scheme. The new service being provided will result in residents receiving the targeted rates for sewage disposal of $463.84 to contribute towards the operating costs associated with network.

When the network is fully completed (estimated 2020/21) all properties serviced by the East Rotoiti/Rotoma scheme will start contributing towards the scheme’s construction costs.

Sewage disposal – increased targeted rate due to new schemes

Rotoma properties will be connected to the new East Rotoiti/Rotoma sewage scheme from 1 July 2019. As these properties come on line Council needs to reflect the additional costs associated with the commissioning and connection to the scheme and the provision of a new service. This new service will add to Council’s overall cost to operate the network. It is estimated the total operating cost of the scheme will be approximately $0.98m per year. Properties that are part of the scheme will contribute $300,000 per year, leaving $0.68m to be funded from the remainder of the community.

This means each property in the Rotorua district will receive an additional pan charge of 12% or $49.92 (GST excl). ($413.92 2018/19 to $463.84 2019/20)

For information on how rates are charged and understanding your charges here