First step to water meters?

Hamilton City Council looks to have taken "the first step towards water meters" with their decision to undertake a business case looking at jointly-owned public company to manage water infrastructure.

The decision follows a report to the Waikato Mayoral Forum in April that recommended Hamilton City, Waipa and Waikato District councils consider co-funding a business case to look the establishment of a joint council-controlled organisation (CCO) for water and wastewater activities. The business case, however, cannot go ahead until all three councils are in agreement.

Councillor Dave Macperson shared his concerns over the matter during last week's council meeting. He said, while he was not opposed to growing economies and reorganisation, he was against privatisation of water.

"My problem is we are jumping to the second stage further down the chain than we ought to. How we can improve things in a public service model? That should be the first approach. At this stage we haven't tried shared services and that is step where we should be heading. There is no evidence of benefit of going down the CCO road at this point. In my opinion it is a precursor to water metering and privatisation."

Deputy Mayor Gordon Chesterman said the council did not yet have the information to draw the conclusions Cr Macpherson raised.

"I simply want the information to base a decision."

Councillor Martin Gallagher said, "This is the water meter debate. That is what it is about.

"The report says the CCO has ownership, six independent directors, no elected members, no staff. No staff - people that might have background on this area. We get two board meetings per annum, for an asset this city owns already."

Chief executive Barry Harris said the primary benefit would be to look at the growth that would occur around Hamilton and have a combined approach through the facilities, and with the three councils involved (Hamilton City Council, Waipa District Council and Waikato District Council) it would drive savings and efficiencies.

Waipa and Waikato District councils have yet to formally discuss the issue and make their decisions.

Those discussions are likely to be held in coming weeks.