Council has today approved going out to community consultation on a Draft Annual Plan.
The 2023/24 draft plan will outline what projects and work programmes Council proposes to progress as well as proposals to address current financial challenges including service changes, stopping spending in some areas and increased fees and charges.
A 7.2% rates increase, a $141m capital works programme and borrowing of $51m are proposed.
The Draft Annual Plan aims to:
- Deliver measurable results against the Council priorities – economy, infrastructure, housing and community;
- Consolidate some work programmes and focus on doing the essentials well;
- Generate alternative sources of revenue, removing a reliance on rates as a source of funding for the majority of council services; and
- Demonstrate prudent financial management (rates, capital expenditure and borrowing).
The draft plan will be out for consultation from 11 April to 12 May when people will be able to view the detail, provide feedback, make submissions and attend events where information will be available and elected members will be present to speak with them.
Mayor Tania Tapsell said in developing the draft annual plan all members of Council were working hard to do their best for the people of Rotorua and she looked forward to hearing from the community before final decisions were made.
All the details about what is proposed, how you can have your say and what events council staff and elected members will be at to provide information, will be available on Council’s website from 11 April and will be promoted via council and other channels.
Council needs to adopt its 2023/24 Annual Plan by the end of June, in time for the new financial year, which begins 1 July 2023.
The report that went to Council today is on p9 of the meeting agenda which can be found at this link on Council’s website: PUBLIC Agenda Council Meeting 5 April 2023.pdf (rotorualakescouncil.nz)
Today’s meeting was livestreamed and can be viewed via Council’s YouTube channel Rotorua Lakes Council Meeting - 5 April 2023 - YouTube