Time for ratepayer revolt?

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Opinion

Re: Wastewater issues.

Saturday’s editorial and Ron Taylor’s contribution should be required reading for all councillors who appear hell-bent on inflicting large rate increases on the long-suffering ratepayer.

Do they honestly think that 5 percent increases each year for the next five years, which would be a 27 percent increase in total, is affordable?

Is the proposed wastewater upgrade actually necessary from a health point of view, or is it being done to assuage the cultural/environmental concerns of a small vocal group? The council needs to explain why the upgrade is necessary, and how it can be afforded.

ECT also needs to come to the party and start giving back to the community it purports to support.

The local body election this year should be very interesting, as councillors tie themselves in knots trying to be “fiscally responsible” while overseeing large rate increases!

Perhaps it is time for a ratepayer revolt, where we refuse to pay any increase in our present rates, or perhaps 2 percent increases — as was formerly promised by the Mayor.

Michael Arnaboldi