Rate rise of $1.54/week likely

The South Taranaki District Council has pared almost 2 per cent of its initial projected rate increase when it adopted its 2014-15 Annual Plan.

While the rates affect different properties in different ways, the average urban residential rate will rise by about 3.6 per cent and total rates on rural properties will increase by 1.8 per cent. For the average urban property this represents an increase of around $1.54 weekly.

Mayor Ross Dunlop said the increases were lower than projected and came about as a result of a tight rein on spending.

After public submissions, Mr Dunlop said council had added $141,000 of new funding which added 0.3 per cent to the rates.

The final Annual Plan sees a district rate increase of 2.96 per cent. The district rate is made up of the general rate, roading rate and the uniform annual general charge.