Another 1000 locals have signed a petition in the past few days rejecting a proposed change to Rotorua's rating system - bringing the total number to 5000 ahead of a crucial council meeting tonight.
The council has faced a groundswell of opposition to its proposal to change the way rates are charged. It wants to move from a land-based system which bases rates on land value only, to a capital value system that would take into account land, buildings and improvements.
Late last week, the petition opposing any change being considered at this time had 4000 signatures. By today, another 1000 locals had added their signatures, demanding Rotorua District Council drop the rates review.
The rush of signatures came ahead of tonight's full council meeting at which five councillors will try to have the rates system proposal thrown out. As reported in last Friday's Daily Post, they have put forward a "notice of motion" to drop it at tonight's 7pm meeting in the council chambers.
About 200 members of the public were expected to fill the public gallery for the controversial vote.
The five trying to overturn the proposal will need two more votes to be successful with 11 councillors and the mayor expected to be present.
If there is a tie, Mayor Kevin Winters will have a second, casting vote.
Work on the proposal so far, including legal matters, printing and outside consultants to formulate a "model" for a new rates system, is estimated to have cost between $30,000 and $50,000.
Last week, councillors Mike McVicker, Janet Wepa, Bob Martin, Charles Sturt and deputy mayor Trevor Maxwell introduced a "notice of motion" to put a stop to the current rates review and revert to the status quo, a land-based rating system.
Councillors Dave Donaldson, Maureen Waaka and Geoff Kenny have said they would not support the motion while Julie Calnan, Maggie Bentley and Karen Hunt were undecided when asked how they would vote.
Mr Kenny said while the current proposed new rating model needed changing, it should not be dropped because of "a bit of public pressure". "We have spent a lot of time and money on the review, it would be pointless if it was just thrown out at this late stage. There are better ways to do it and they need to be discussed."
Councillor Glenys Searancke is overseas. Councillors must be present to vote.
Council corporate services director Jean-Paul Gaston said between $30,000 and $50,000 had already been spent on the rating review - including legal costs, design and printing of information pamphlets, an internet calculator and external advice given to Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, which is working with the council to come up with an alternative rating model.
Rotorua resident Geoff Chard, campaigning against the proposed capital value rating system, said at least 200 people would attend tonight's meeting.
Late last week he estimated he had 4000 signatures on his petition. He said another 1000 people signed over the weekend and he was urging concerned ratepayers to attend tonight's meeting.
Mr Chard said his petition would be presented at the council's next finance committee meeting on August 11. He would take signatures until then. Submissions about the proposed rating system close on Friday.
HANDS OFF OUR RATES
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