Calls for submissions to rates plan

Chairman Doug Leeder.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is reminding people to make a submission on its annual plan while they still have time.

Submissions close on Thursday at 4pm on the council's draft annual plan for 2014/15, which sets out the council's key programmes and projects for the coming year, how much they will cost and where funding will come from.

The proposed general rates rise will mean an average increase per property of $2 per year, depending on where you live - lower than the predicted increase due to savings made by implementing internal efficiencies.

Chairman Doug Leeder said despite change and uncertainty in its operating environment, the council expected the coming financial year to be 'business as usual'.

"We'll continue to restore water quality in the Rotorua Lakes, maintain river and drainage schemes in the eastern Bay of Plenty, clean up Kopeopeo Canal and enhance passengers' experience on our passenger transport networks."

The council is proposing operating expenditure of $95.5 million, which would allow for more spending in specific areas such as water management, while reducing spending in other areas to reflect internal efficiency savings. The council would continue to use investment income to reduce general rates while maintaining levels of service, Mr Leeder said.

Submitters can use online submissions or paper forms. Copies of the Draft Annual Plan and the summary are available on the regional council's website www.boprc.govt.nz or from its offices.