In a recent interview with Aaron, community board chairperson Dennis Amoore discussed the significant rise in council rates and the broader implications for local residents. The conversation, which aired earlier , highlighted a shocking 22.9% increase in rates for Dennis himself, far surpassing the anticipated rise of 11.9%.
Dennis says that the general rate increase was supposed to be 11.9%, but that his general rate alone went up by 28%. Council said that on average, houses in the district were projected to see an 11.9% rate increase. Properties with up to a 22% valuation increase would have their rates capped at this rate. Houses with higher valuation increases, like Dennis's property which surged by 26%, were expected to face a 13% rate rise. This increase will led Dennis to appeal his new valuation.
He also pointed out that the total rate increase also includes targeted rates, such as those for stormwater and food waste collection. For instance, food waste collection rates increased from $75 to $104, a surprise 25% jump.
When asked about the role of the community board in addressing these rate hikes, Dennis was candid: "We can make a lot of noise, but whether it has any bearing, I don't know."
He highlighted the need for a systemic overhaul of how council business is conducted emphasising that it's not just about cutting expenses. Dennis says we need to rethink what is essential and what isn't. He recalled an instance where the council considered reducing speed limits on certain roads, including his own, which he felt was a misguided use of resources given that it wasn’t possible for cars to travel as fast as the proposed speed limit, let alone exceed it.
Dennis proposed a collaborative approach with neighbouring councils to optimise resources. For instance, he suggests that one sustainability expert could serve multiple councils, providing the same advice and conclusions.
The discussion also touched on the ongoing issues with the Watercare services and the potential model for future collaboration among councils. When Watercare pulls out, Dennis suggests that councils like Waikato and Waipa could form a collective organisation to manage water services more efficiently.
As Dennis prepares to appeal his rate increase, he encourages other homeowners to review their rates online. He says that if your property's valuation has increased significantly, your rates will reflect that. It's crucial to stay informed and take action if necessary.
Dennis also expressed hope that a new CEO for the council could bring a fresh perspective and address these systemic issues. He believes Council needs someone with the vision to implement practical solutions and optimise council operations for the benefit of all residents.
Tour of Wastewater Works Highlights Future Water Improvements
Last Thursday, council staff, along with Watercare, councillors and some media, toured the Raglan wastewater treatment plant. The visit provided insights into the new membrane bioreactor (MBR) plant, which promises substantial improvements. According to Watercare staff, the new plant can handle about two and a half times the current population's wastewater, ensuring capacity for future growth.
The MBR plant, scheduled to be operational by June next year, will produce exceptionally clean water. The treated water will be so clean you can wash your hands in it, and if chlorinated, it could be fit for human consumption - although to clarify, the treated wastewater won’t be used for this purpose.
During the tour, officials also visited Riki Springs, a key drinking water source for the town. Dennis highlighted its historical significance and current capacity explaining that Riki Springs has supplied water to Raglan since the town's reticulated water system was established, and there's still plenty of water available, though we're close to our resource consent limit.
Community Celebrates Wharf Project Completion
The wharf project, which has been a significant community endeavour, recently reached completion, with only minor tasks such as tree planting and signage installation remaining. Dennis noted that while some additional "No Fishing" signs are pending from the parks and reserves department, the major work is essentially finished.
"The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. People appreciate how much more open and safer the area feels now," Dennis said. He also emphasised that the project was funded by the government, not local rates, and praised the council and project managers for maintaining access to the wharf throughout the construction, especially during the summer break.
Town Endures Days Without Power, Community Response Praised
Recently, the town experienced a prolonged power outage, eliciting varied responses from residents. Dennis shared how he and his wife coped by staying informed through social media and local updates, minimising disruptions. Others faced isolation without internet, radio, or heating, needing to seek information downtown.
Dennis clarified that a civil emergency wasn't declared as there was no immediate threat to life or limb, a prerequisite for such declarations. He commended emergency services for their swift action, noting that essential services like the medical centre and Raglan Trust Hospital and Rest Home had power restored within 14 hours.
Despite challenges, the community showed resilience, aided by effective coordination among emergency services. Watercare and other utilities ensured crucial operations continued, including manually managing sewage pumping stations.
Dennis mentioned ongoing efforts to finalise a local civil defence plan, outlining roles and responsibilities for various organisations during emergencies. This plan includes establishing emergency shelters and ensuring a structured response to maintain essential services during crises.
Stakeholders Meeting Set to Discuss Manu Bay Break Wall Solutions
Progress is underway for addressing the Manu Bay break wall issue, with a meeting of stakeholders scheduled for July. Notices have been sent out and stakeholders will discuss various options that have been proposed and circulated.
During the annual plan process, an estimate suggested that resolving the break wall issue could potentially cost up to $2 million. However, Dennis refrained from making a precise estimate at this stage. The initial budget proposals included this amount before transitioning to the enhanced annual plan, which is expected to be ratified or approved (along with the new rates) at the upcoming council meeting on Wednesday.
Community Board Pushes for Higher Rates for Soundsplash Reserve Use
The Community Board is advocating for higher fees from the Soundsplash festival for hiring the reserve. Dennis mentioned that the board requested the council to conduct a review. The council has since reviewed and provided options based on what other festival organisers pay in various regions. Although aligning with Soundsplash’s scale has proven challenging, the new rates will likely represent an increase. The additional revenue generated will be reinvested into developing the reserve.
Investigation into High E. coli Levels Near Museum Exhausts all Avenues
In regards to an incident last October involving significantly elevated E. coli levels near Raglan's museum in the harbour, according to Matthew Telfer from Watercare, investigations determined that no faulty pipes contributed to the issue from the main drain at the bottom of Stewart St. However, the drain does collect road runoff, potentially carrying contaminants such as animal droppings that are common in the area. Dennis noted the challenge of identifying the precise cause and suggested ongoing monitoring as the solution.