Council seeking views on rural hall funding model

Hairini Hall at the Rangiaohia War Memorial Domain is one of 18 rural halls funded by rural ratepayer contribution

Waipa District Council wants feedback on how best to fund rural halls.

Across the district 18 rural halls are funded by some, but not all, rural ratepayers.

The amount of funding received depends on how much each independent hall committee decides it needs, and how many houses are within the hall zone.

But mayor Jim Mylchreest says some halls are missing out.

"On top of the 18 funded halls, there are a further nine that do not receive any funding at all, but would like to. It's an anomaly in the system that doesn't seem fair. We want to see all of our rural halls be well maintained for the community to enjoy for years to come."

Council wants feedback on two options: either stick with the status quo or distribute money among all rural halls plus introduce a contestable fund for major maintenance projects.

"It's about being fair. Not all of our halls and their attached communities are in a position to maintain their halls and cover the cost of major maintenance projects. We don't think this is quite right and nor does it allow council and community assets to be protected."

Changing the way halls are rated would affect only rural ratepayers, who currently contribute between $13 to $43 each year depending on where they live and what hall they're contributing to. The proposal suggests all rural ratepayers pay a set amount of around $20 per dwelling as part of their rates bill.

Mr Mylchreest says the proposal is in the very early stages of consultation.

"We particularly want to hear from the community and the hall committees about which option they prefer. Once we've reviewed their feedback we'll formally go to the community with our preferred option and final figures for everyone to comment on as part of our 2018-28 10-Year Plan."

* Feedback is open from now until September 1. Visit www.waipadc.govt.nz/haveyoursay or pick up a form from council offices.