Waikato District Council is once again alerting the community to the extra costs that they’re going to face in next year’s long term plan with a facebook post this week saying that their last meeting was a fairly sobering one.
They say affordability and debt are a huge challenge with high inflation and interest rates, and growing compliance demands from central government - and that some hard decisions will need to be made to keep rates low.
Council says they’ll be getting out to the community in the new year to find out what our priorities are.
Watercare Manager Mathew Telfer has apologised to our Councillor Lisa Thomson for the latest screw-up with our wastewater system saying he is very sorry that partially treated wastewater was released on the outgoing tide on the morning of December 9th. He also said that his team would investigate and come back with a report in ten days. This means it might be ready before Christmas but may not be out in time for the public to see it.
The Lions club has told us that they’re getting organised for the New Year’s Eve parade but could do with a few more volunteers on the night. If you can help we suggest you pop into the chemist and catch up with Bernice, the Lions president. Float’s are due at 6pm on Wallis St with the parade starting at 7pm on 31st December.
Council has said the Raglan offices and libraries will be closed from midday Friday 22 December through to Monday 8 January 2024 when it will reopen.
If you have an urgent query you will still be able to phone the Council 24 hours a day, seven days a week on, 0800 492 452, with any urgent issues, like noise, animal control and accidental wastewater leaks into the harbour.
They have also said that they are fully staffed with parking control officers and will be able to cover weekends during our busy summer and that they have hired two freedom camping ambassadors who will be out in the community educating tourists about where they can and can’t stay overnight in our community. For anyone who wants to know the rules ahead of time you can check out https://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/recreation/camping
Raglan’s rubbish and recycling will be collected on their normal days this holiday season and our fabulous sponsors Xtreme Zero Waste have said the site will be closed on 24th, 25th and 26th of December as well as 1st and 2nd of January, otherwise normal times will apply for drop offs and scoring good post-christmas deals at Kahu’s nest.